Rotarians celebrate new awards cohort

OCEAN GROVE Rotary has welcomed more than 40 new local Grade 6 children into its cohort of Junior Community Award program graduates.

Students from Surfside Primary School, Ocean Grove Primary School, Our Lady Star of the Sea and Wallington Primary School recently completed the program by consistently working through its various activities.

The cohort were required to complete ten hours of community service, ten hours of physical recreation and ten hours of skill development.

Community service opportunities included attending the dawn service on ANZAC Day, going to a community meeting, visiting an art gallery or partaking in an environmental project.

Each school held an event where students presented to their peers and received their award certificate.

Two students, their teachers and parents from each school were then invited to attend a Rotary meeting where Rotarians were treated to inspiring speeches from the students and were left in no doubt that young people are ready to take their places in our community.

Ocean Grove Rotary president Lyndy Stagg said the program encourages students to use their skills and abilities in meaningful ways.

“It has been a pleasure to watch the students grow in confidence and deepen their understanding of their community.

“A highlight of the Rotary year is welcoming the students to a Rotary meeting, where they proudly represent their schools and share their impressive achievements.”

Wallington Primary School teacher Dan Anderson said the program helps students learn more about themselves, build confidence and engage meaningfully with their community.

“As a first-time facilitator, it was incredibly rewarding to watch them step outside their comfort zones and grow throughout the year.

“The Rotarians were outstanding in their support, and it is a program I would gladly facilitate again.”