GIANTS defender Jeremy Finlayson has helped wrap up the school year with over 100 guests at the Young Indigenous Pathways Program presentation evening at St Marys.

Finlayson is a proud Indigenous man from Culcairn in Southern NSW and was only too happy to give up his time to assist in the presentations.

The Young Indigenous Pathways Program (YIPP) is run by NASCA (the National Aboriginal Sporting Chance Academy) in Partnership with Lendlease and the GIANTS. 

As part of the GIANTS Care Program, YIPP sees the GIANTS work closely with schools in Western Sydney to ensure students have the skills required to graduate. 

90 students ranging from years 7 to 11 from Kingswood High School, Richmond High School, Glenmore Park High School and Windsor High School took part in the program in 2017.

The night included a Welcome to Country, a dance performance by students and local leaders as well as a musical.

Two Student of the Year Awards were given out to Jaylee Jones from Kingswood and Liam Harvey from Windsor.

After accepting her award, Jones was quick to recognise those that contributed to making it a special year.

“Thank you for all that you have done to make me come this far,” said Jones. 

“Without the YIPP staff I wouldn't have been able to speak in front of people, meet such great people and learn more about my culture.

“You have made my high school life a billion times better. I have comments every day telling me how much of a great leader I will be and those words from teachers and students reminds me of how you have made me come so far." 

The life-changing YIPP program will continue in 2018.

Finlayson has been back to training for almost a month with his young team mates with the 21-year old eyeing off more time in the AFL this season after making his debut against Geelong in round 15 in 2017.