![\"\"](\"https:\/\/timesnewsgroup.com.au\/ballarat\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2019\/09\/DSC_0017-for-web-300x200.jpg\")
\u201cTheir families, friends and school representatives came along to support these students which made them feel good.\u201d<\/p>\n
The awards, instigated seven years ago, are presented to a Year 9 or 10 student nominated by each of the 12 secondary schools in the Ballarat area.<\/p>\n
Phoenix P-12 Community College selected Tazmin Forrest describing her as a dedicated student and leader who displays the College values.<\/p>\n
As an active member of the school\u2019s student leadership team, Tazmin is considered a respected role model.<\/p>\n
She has recently returned from competing in the World Archery Youth Championships in Madrid, Spain.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen my teacher, Ms Quinn, told me about the award and I realised how important it was, I was very excited,\u201d Tazmin said. \u201cI think that if you put maximum effort in at school and maximum effort in your sport, you outdo yourself.<\/p>\n
\u201cSometimes you can have a big and vicious goal but you\u2019ve got to work your way up and eventually it is attainable.\u201d<\/p>\n
Samuel Edmends was the Year 10 student nominated by Mount Rowan Secondary School.<\/p>\n
The School\u2019s citation noted his involvement with the School Representative Council and the School Voice Team.<\/p>\n
There was particular mention of his initiative to form a student body working party to maintain the student canteen when it was relocated to a new building on campus.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen I found out more about the award, I realised this was something special and that\u2019s when I started to get this nervous feeling about just how amazing it really was,\u201d Samuel said.<\/p>\n
Students up to Year 9 generally hang out in groups and are not so confident without their mates, Seona Murnane, Mount Rowan Secondary Collage\u2019s Principal said.<\/p>\n Schools often recognise their students for group accomplishments such as being a team sports player or a member of the orchestra.<\/p>\n \u201cYear 10 is when they really do stand on their own two feet and become more of an individual,\u201d Ms Murnane said. \u201cI find that the students feel prouder about their personal achievements.<\/p>\n \u201cI spoke to Sam and his mum after school on the day of the presentation and they were both were still beaming.\u201d<\/p>\n Austin Chivers said he felt nervous and excited at the same time about the award as he entered the Trench Room.<\/p>\n A student at Ballarat Specialist School, Austin and his younger brother walk to and from school together each day.<\/p>\n According to his citation Austin is a supporting member of the Ballarat Speedway Club where he assists with mechanical repairs.<\/p>\n \u201cI love cars and working on racing cars and go-karts at the Speedway on weekends,\u201d Austin said. \u201cMy dad raced at the Speedway and he was always working on his cars, so I wanted to see what he was doing.<\/p>\n \u201cNow all of us do it together.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/timesnewsgroup.com.au\/ballarat\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2019\/09\/DSC_0025-for-web-e1568706126427-200x300.jpg\")