When Year 9 student Lexie Brown was announced as part of Australia’s Commonwealth Games 24-strong para-athletics squad, selectors called her a “rising star”.

They are not the first to praise the teenager, with Nambucca Heads High School principal, Dot Panaretos, proudly describing Lexie as a role model for all public school students.

“Lexie’s unwavering dedication, resilience, and remarkable sporting talent have earned her this extraordinary opportunity on the world stage,” Mrs Panaretos said.

“The entire school community is inspired by Lexie’s achievements and the way she balances her commitment to her sport with her academic pursuits.”

Public education has played a big role in the young athlete’s journey to Scotland.

From the moment she started at Nambucca Heads Public School, on Gumbaynggirr Country, her teachers noted her ability and did all they could to encourage and support her.

“Mrs Fenning was my first sport teacher… since I started sport, she’s been at my side 24/7,” the 15-year-old said.

“She was the person who got me into para athletics and the para sport unit and I reckon I wouldn’t be here now if it wasn’t for her.”

An emerging Gumbaynggirr and Kamilaroi woman who lives with limb difference, Lexie has shown incredible persistence and determination to wear the green and gold in Glasgow.

She has continued to improve her times and reach new milestones in the face of loss.

“A comfort item of mine is my nan’s ashes in a little necklace which I’ll definitely be bringing over and will be by my side before I race.” Lexie said.

Before heading into camp with her fellow athletes, Nambucca Heads High School staff and students arranged an informal sendoff to inspire the down-to-earth teenager whenever she felt far from home.

“I’m feeling really good at the moment. I’m more excited and I’m feeling really happy and supported with my school,” she said.

“I didn’t really expect the little circle we did but it was really fun to go past my friends.”

Lexie Brown will compete in the Women’s T45-47 100m Round 1 Event at Glasgow’s Scotstoun Stadium on Thursday 30 July, between 7 and 10.30pm Australian Eastern Standard Time

The Final is scheduled for later that day, Scottish time, and the 3.30am Friday morning alarm is unlikely to be a barrier to supporters back home should Lexie qualify.

Whatever the outcome, there is bound to be an enthusiastic celebration of her efforts when she returns to Nambucca if her teachers and schoolfriends get their way.