“Apply for Everything” Caitlyn Cheyne Inspiring Change Through Community, Leadership & STEM

2026 ASHS School Captain Caitlyn Cheyne is inspiring other young people through her passion for STEM, leadership and community involvement. Photo supplied  

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Driven by a passion for helping others and creating positive change, Caitlyn Cheyne has dedicated herself to giving back to her community while inspiring other young people to do the same.

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Caitlyn has worn many hats over the years and currently serves as a 2026 Ayr State High School (ASHS) School Captain, STEM Ambassador and active member of the Burdekin Shire Youth Council (BSYC); a group she was inspired to join after hearing about the opportunities and community impact from her peers.

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“Since being in the BSYC I have volunteered a few times and have had so much fun with it,” said Caitlyn.

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“It’s [BSYC] such a kind and welcoming community of young people all interested in a root cause – to give back to our community and show our community that young people and their opinions shouldn't be ignored. Youth Council has allowed me to have a voice in our world and give back in ways I didn't know I was able to.”

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Alongside her community involvement, Caitlyn has also immersed herself in a range of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) opportunities and leadership programs offered internally through ASHS. Caitlyn’s passion for volunteering and leadership began long before joining BSYC, first flourishing when she became involved in ASHS’ Interact Club in Year 7.

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“This was honestly a space where I learned how to handle money, work in teams, and saw how fulfilled I could be when working with my community. I continued in both Interact and the Student Council through my entire schooling and I don't regret any of it, it has been amazing!”

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A self-described “STEM lover through and through”, Caitlyn first stepped into the space as a Year 10 student after being selected for the Department of Education’s STEM Girl Power Camp, earning the role of her school’s STEM Ambassador.

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“It was the place where I learned there was a community of supportive people all interested in everything I love,” she said.

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Since then, she has participated in the SPARQ-ed biomedical science program at the Translational Research Institute in Brisbane and attended the prestigious National Youth Science Forum earlier this year.

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Outside of academics, Caitlyn has remained heavily involved in the community through the Lower Burdekin Scout Group and of course, BSYC, with some of her favourite volunteer work involving local children’s programs and hands-on STEM activities.

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“I am very passionate about community involvement, inclusion, and providing support for people,” Caitlyn said.

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“As a neurodivergent young person, I know that sometimes getting the help you actually need isn't as easy as some might think and its very important to me that young people with disabilities, mental health concerns, or anyone struggling is given the tools to succeed.”

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After years of balancing leadership, volunteering and STEM opportunities, Caitlun hopes to inspire other young people to back themselves, and give new experiences a go, no matter what.

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“Apply for everything! You will never know unless you try! It’s better to try and fail, then to have never tried at all,” she said.

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“The only reason I have been able to do all the things I have done is because I threw my name into the hat. I am so happy I have given everything I have wanted a go!”

However, Caitlyn said it’s equally important for young people to recognise their limits and avoid overcommitting themselves.

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“Don’t overload yourself,” she said.

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“It’s something I have always struggled with – trying to juggle 100 different things when I reached capacity at 70. If you overwork yourself, you can’t do all the amazing things you’re capable of.”

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With a strong passion for environmental conservation, community advocacy and lifelong learning, Caitlyn hopes to study ecology and teaching at university in the future, while continuing to pursue opportunities such as the National Youth Parliament to further expand her knowledge and create positive change.

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