Fourteen young people graduate from Max Potential leadership program in Cessnock

Fourteen high school students took part in the 22-week program, in which they are partnered with a volunteer coach to develop personal leadership skills, and work on a project that will benefit their local community.

Max Potential program manager Julie Stevens said this year’s participants have worked extremely hard to complete the program.

“These young adults have achieved amazing things, we have seen tremendous growth in all of them,” she said.

“Each of them will walk away with something different – they define what they want to get out of it.

“It’s our purpose to accelerate their personal leadership growth and use it in a practical way.”

The 14 students came from Mount View, Kurri Kurri and Singleton High School, St Philip’s Christian College Cessnock and St Joseph’s Lochinvar.

Their projects supported a wide range of organisations, interests and causes, from women’s refuges, to school homework programs, to concussion awareness.

Mount View High School student Naomi Martin was partnered with Cessnock Leagues Club staff member Tracy Enright for the 22-week program.

Her community project supported Carrie’s Place Domestic Violence and Homelessness Services.

She collected dozens of non-perishable food and personal items for the service.

“I wanted to help these women who are seriously disadvantaged by their situation,” she said.

“It’s really important to support them, especially when they have children.

“They have been through hell and back.

“Carrie’s Place gives them a place to be safe, to have clothes on their back and food on the table.”

Naomi is still collecting donations for her project, which can be dropped off at Mount View High School.