Clarence Aboriginal Student of the Year awardee and aspiring rugby union player, Charles Charlton-Walker from Maclean High School last Wednesday took part in an ‘emerging leaders’ forum in NSW Parliament House after being chosen as a finalist in the inaugural awards. The Aboriginal Student of the Year is a new annual award recognising young people who demonstrate leadership within their school and local community. Clarence MP, Chris Gulaptis said 70 students across the state were winners of the award, which recognises emerging leaders among Aboriginal high school students, and Charles was chosen as a finalist to attend the forum. Charles was given the opportunity to join a small group of finalists at Parliament House who met with Aboriginal, business and Government leaders, including the Premier, Deputy Premier and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Leslie Williams. The students also undertook a tour of Parliament House and a tour of the Aboriginal artefact display at the Australian Museum. “Charles is a very worthy winner and is already making outstanding contributions as a young leader in his community and school. “I am thrilled that he was chosen as a finalist allowing him opportunity to meet other community leaders and interact with inspiring Aboriginal leaders in a range of professions including the world of entertainment, business and sport,” Mr Gulaptis said. “Charles is a terrific young man and his mum, Kahlua and his school must be as proud as I was when I introduced him to the Premier, Mike Baird.” Mr Gulaptis gave a bit shout out to REX who kindly sponsored Charles’ flights to Sydney and return.