Makenzie Steps Up

How one brother’s example sparked a young scholars leadership journey 

When Hope Vale’s Makenzie Bowen first arrived at Marist College Ashgrove as a Year 7 student, he wasn’t alone. His older brother, Dwayne, had already blazed the trail with a Cape York Leaders Program (CYLP) scholarship. His brother’s presence made those early days easier but also set the bar high. 

“Being away from home was hard at first,” Makenzie said. “But having my brother here helped me through it.” 

Now in Year 11, Makenzie finds himself on the other side of that relationship, stepping into the shoes once filled by his older brother and setting an example for the next wave of students behind him. 

“That’s been the biggest challenge,” he said. “Trying to be a role model, not knowing how to fill last year’s Grade 12 boots. But I just kept going and doing what they did, helping the younger boys out.” 

It’s a role he’s grown into and continues to lead by doing. From consistent study habits and early mornings to small moments of support for others, he’s building a legacy of his own as a Cape York leader. 

CYLP has been by his side, supporting him with wellbeing support, guidance, uniforms, supplies, tutoring and steady encouragement. 

“The tutoring really helped,” he said. “My grades in maths have improved a lot. And I’ve seen myself grow up.” 

He’s also taking those habits home – early starts, making his bed, helping out and being someone his younger siblings can look up to. Just as he once looked up to Dwayne. 

“I want to be different to other kids,” he said. “I want my little brothers to see that.” 

Makenzie’s favourite subject is English, he enjoys reading and the challenge of learning new things but his ambitions lie in the trades. He’s already thinking about apprenticeships and wants to work as a boilermaker after school. 

“Finishing school is important,” he says. “You’ve got to set yourself up. Know what you want to do and make sure you don’t throw that chance away.” 

For Makenzie, leadership isn’t about being the loudest voice in the room. It’s about the choices you make when no one’s looking and the legacy you leave behind for those coming next.