Josie will play the role of policy, planning and reporting director in the Department of Communities for a day.

Also selected was year 11 student Polly McKinnon from Inverell High School. Polly will be education director-general for a day.

The students were chosen on their written applications and their prinicipal’s recommendation.

They will head for the Sydney offices on Monday, July 29.

Josie is a trained peer support leader, helping year seven students transition to high school. She is also a member of the student representative council, and a debater and public speaker.

She also represents the school in activities and fundraisers, and was chosen to attend a three-day Rotary youth enrichment program earlier this year.

Tenterfield High School principal Peter Willis described her as “caring, enthusiastic, strong acadmically and always willing to help other students and staff, including in her own time”.

Member for Northern Tablelands Adam Marshall congratulated the students.

“Director-General for a Day is a wonderful program that benefits future leaders in our community,” he said.

“It is fantastic to see Northern Tablelands represented this year, and I congratulate Polly and Josie on their selection.”

The two students will be joined by 31 others from around the state who will be shadowing officers in roles as diverse as chief executive in the Office of Communities and schools deputy director-general.

Tenterfield High School students who have been selected for the program in the past include Joanna Lusty, Zac Curry, Tahliea Merchant and Ambre Woodward.