I acknowledge the extraordinary achievements of Jess Ward, a talented student from Avondale School, whose HSC artwork, Simply Being, has been selected for the prestigious First Class 24 exhibition at the Museum of Art and Culture. Simply Being, a deeply moving piece created with charcoal and soft pastels on paper, portrays three significant people from Jess's life. Through her work, Jess explores the concept of human connection and the subtle yet profound moments that exist between conversations. These moments—the silences, the expressions, the shared glances—are often where true understanding and connection are found. Jess's artistic exploration of this intimate space is both insightful and visually captivating. The selection of Simply Being for such a renowned exhibition is a testament to Jess's exceptional talent, creativity, and emotional depth. Her ability to translate such a nuanced theme into a powerful visual experience speaks to her maturity as an artist and her understanding of the human condition. Being chosen for the First Class 24 exhibition is an incredible honour and reflects the high calibre of her work. Congratulations, Jess. Your work truly speaks volumes.