Eagle inspires students to aim high

Students at East Kimberley College were left inspired last Thursday after being given the opportunity to pick the brain of a leading AFLW player.

Boys and girls aged 12-18 from the Follow the Dream after-school program were treated to a video call with West Coast Eagle Courtney Guard, asking her questions about her journey to professional sport.

Guard, who is also a full-time school teacher, was drafted by Fremantle in the 2018 AFLW draft and was recruited by West Coast for their inaugural season in 2020.

Follow the Dream co-ordinator Timothy Bucknell said the students would not normally have the opportunity to talk to an AFL player at this time of year when the season was usually in full swing.

“It’s a bit of a COVID silver lining where we are able to find opportunities to engage our students and develop educational and leadership skills in ways we never even imagined a few months ago,” he said.

Students Lily McMahon, Sophie Seymour, both 12, said they were inspired to chase their dreams after listening to Mrs Guard.

“I thought it was really cool to meet someone who showed us if we don’t give up, we can reach our goals,” Lily said.

“(Courtney) has achieved a lot in life and makes me feel like I can do the same,” Sophie said.

The Follow the Dream Program supports high-achieving Indigenous students from Years 7 to 12 who have been identified as having the skills necessary to obtain their Western Australian Certificate of Education and enter university or go on to a traineeship or apprenticeship.