Courage to speak out rewarded
When people tell 17-year-old James Clarke he is brave, he responds that he is simply doing what needs to be done.
Despite his youth, James is a prolific public speaker, talking to students, parents and the public about issues facing young gay people and the Aboriginal community.
Now, he has a new platform for his message of acceptance and equality after being named WA's Young Person of the Year.
As a gay youth, James remembers feeling isolated, with no positive messages about homosexuality around him, only biblical references that branded him an abomination.
After he found the courage to come out in Year 10, buoyed by the positive reaction of peers and teachers at Lockridge Senor High School, he decided to start speaking publicly about his struggles.
He said he felt lucky to have attended a supportive school that let him flourish.
James said it was rewarding to see others change their views because of his words.
Youth Minister Tony Simpson said James had shown outstanding courage.
Rikeisha Voss, 21, (Active Participation Award) fell pregnant three years ago and was forced from home by domestic violence.
Now she lives at a facility for disadvantaged youth, is studying for a beauty diploma and is a positive role model.
Binu Jayawardena, 24, (ECU Community Leadership Award) is as fifth-year medical student who co-founded WA Student Television, which teaches film production and produces free promotional videos for community groups.
Golda Signal, 21, (Cultural Endeavours Award) from South Sudan, turned her love of performing into a mentoring program for girls from different cultures.
Matthew Bartlett, the chaplain at Ocean Reef High School, was given the minister's award for his contributions to young people.
