Halls Head College Aboriginal artist and author Samantha Stack has been commissioned to illustrate and write a series of children’s storybooks for Royal Life Saving and Keep Watch.
The year 11 student is busy studying a heavy load of ATAR subjects this year, but said it was not enough to stop her jumping at the opportunity to help save lives and educate families about water safety.
The young writer worked on her first book Adventures of Ernie Emu for six months until production was approved and ready for printing.
Family friend Kristy Day said Samantha has been growing as an artist since she was six years old.
“I knew instantly from the brief that this job would be matched perfectly to Samantha,” she said.
“Sam is a creative, gifted and talented young, Indigenous artist.
“I will continue to use her services in the future.”
The books are aimed at children under five years old.
Samantha said she was grateful for the chance to improve her writing and graphic design skills.
“It has been a fantastic opportunity and experience in which I got to see my hard work right through to the final product,” she said.
“I’ve stayed focused on my studies and hope to take the experience I’ve gained as I head into the world of architecture.”
Halls Head media officer Chantal Brewer said the school was very proud of Samantha’s achievement.
“Sam has proven she has got what it takes moving forward in her chosen pathway,” she said.
“When Sam heads toward university, she has placed herself in good stead with her knowledge and experience she has gained throughout this project.”
