ONE week before she graduated from high school, Kate Lockyer found out she'd won an award for story writing.

And so, instead of partaking in the normal week of partying on the Gold Coast, the Mackay girl was down south for a different celebration.

On November 15, she was one of four who accepted a Highly Commended in the Young Writers Award in Brisbane for 15-17 years, following the runner-up and winner.

Competing against 321 others in the state, her story about an artist who fell in love stood out.

Kate is mostly known around the region for her vocals.

In the past month she's participating in a workshop with the State Library of Queensland and another with Opera Queensland.

"In addition to learning the repertoire and gaining experience singing as part of a choral group, the team taught us lots about technique, including breathing, note placement, supporting your notes, and vocal health,” she said.

Kate admits she's drawn between writing and singing, but wants to be an English/history teacher.

ZARISHA BRADLEY