OPINION: There must've been something in the water at Urangan High School in 1998.

As I walked into the brand new School House Espresso on their opening morning, it did feel like I had stepped back to school days.

I too can lay claim to being a graduate from Urangan High's class of 98, along with Julia Paussa from Coast, Dan and Steph Mulheron (Steph might have been a year below, but we claimed her back at school), and Tim and Katie Adams of Tim Adams Coffee.

So it fills me with absolute pride to see people I have known since teenagers, kicking goals and bringing their successes back to the Bay.

There are many others from this class who have gone onto enormous achievements, but what is so interesting about these particular people, is that despite all having opportunities to grow their brand elsewhere, they have chosen to come home to do it.

Julia Paussa was the first to start the foodie trend in town, and aren't we all thankful for that! After travelling the world and managing some of Brisbane's finest restaurants, Jules came back here and started a food revolution in Hervey Bay.

Her industry recognises the vision of Coast, and the 'one hat' rating keeps visitors coming back to the area.

I know that Julia's food obsession rubbed off on Dan and Steph, and after their giant success in winning our country's most favoured cooking show, they were offered spots in the top kitchens of Sydney, but instead stayed in Hervey Bay, and kept their love of local life alive.

I see countless comments on Facebook from visitors coming to the region, just to see TV's favourite home cooks in their home town.

Tim and his lovely wife Katie (who are high school sweethearts) found their love of coffee in the back alley espresso bar of the Sunny Coast.

Tim has won countless awards in the coffee industry and also represented Australia in the World Barista Championships.

Julia recognised a fantastic opportunity to promote local, and Tim's coffee is Coast's coffee of choice. When Dan and Steph were opening their first restaurant, there was not a doubt in their mind but to have the coffee guru himself to help them in the coffee department.

Now with this new venture, Dan and Steph, Tim and Katie have all teamed up to open School House Espresso, celebrating their humble beginnings at Urangan High and their love of all things caffeinated.

In a town like Hervey Bay, we should all be celebrating our locals who choose to keep their recognised brand in their home town.

Luckily the majority of locals are supportive.

We need more young entrepreneurs to stay here, and keep Hervey Bay on the map.

Trish Hamilton is an author based in Hervey Bay