Students from Hoppers Crossing Secondary College wowed the crowd at the Palais Theatre in St Kilda last week, winning the Best Social Media Story Award for their performance Be Careful What You Whisper. 

Hoppers Crossing Secondary was one of ten schools that made it through as a finalist in the Wakakirri Secondary School Challenge with their short theatrical performance about the impact that digital rumours can have on people's reputations. 

Hoppers Crossing Secondary was selected as one of four Victorian teams that will progress to the national finals. 

The awards night was the culmination of many months of hard work for the talented performers and crew.  

Nineteen schools across Victoria competed in heats in Frankston, Moonee Ponds, Geelong and Bendigo to stake their place in the top ten.  

Now in its sixth year, Wakakirri Secondary School Challenge is bigger and better than ever. In the past five years over 6,100 students from more than 50 schools have created performances reflecting their concerns and ideas.  

Wakakirri develops young people’s creative talents – music, dance, drama and stagecraft. But it also teaches important skills that last for life like teamwork, leadership and communication. 

The Andrews Labor Government is proud to be a major partner of the Wakakirri Secondary School Challenge, which connects young people to industry professionals and provides pathways to careers in the performing arts.  

The Labor Government has committed to funding this unique and innovative program for another three years until December 2022. 

To find out more about Wakakirri Secondary School Challenge visit wakakirri.com. For more information on Andrews Labor Government programs for young people visit youthcentral.vic.gov.au/get-involved 

Quotes attributable to Member for Tarneit Sarah Connolly 

“We welcome the talents, enthusiasm and inspiration of our young people in this challenge. The arts can empower, thrill and inspire us as well as giving insights into our culture.” 

“Our Government is proud to support Wakakirri and the opportunities it creates for young artists right across our State.”