Her talent as a slalom kayak/canoe paddler is already at a level that is receiving tremendous recognition. The latest accolade is the prestigious Western Sydney Academy's Foundation Scholarship Award.

Jessica, who has been an academy athlete for the past two years, was announced as the winner at the annual awards dinner held on Saturday and was presented with her award by Penrith MP Karyn Paluzzano.

This award provides the female athlete of the year with a scholarship grant of $5000 which will help Jessica to meet her costs in slalom competition.

Jessica has already travelled to France, Italy and Spain to compete against the best in the world.

The 15-year-old seems destined to become a champion athlete.

Her mother Myriam represented France in the same sport in the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, taking out a bronze medal and being crowned world champion on two occasions.

Jessica's father represented Great Britain in the same sport at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics and won the world championship five times.

Academy chief executive Martin Bullock praised Jessica's commitment and approach to her program.

``Jessica has displayed not only wonderful talent but a terrific attitude and great respect for her coaches and fellow athletes,'' he said.

Jessica's focus now will be on selection in the National Squads early in 2010 where she will hopefully gain further opportunities.