![\"\"](\"https:\/\/timesnewsgroup.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2021\/07\/FinnRentsch-Madelei_41067.jpg\")
<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"THIS year\u2019s winners of the Bethany Superhero Awards have been announced, following the COVID lockdown and restrictions cancelling last month\u2019s ceremony.<\/p>\n
The 12 primary school pupil finalists from almost 300 entries have been waiting to learn whether their local hero won one of three Superhero Awards, and found out at an event \u201cunder the dome\u201d at the Geelong Library and Heritage Centre on Thursday last week.<\/p>\n
Pupils in Greater Geelong and Warrnambool nominated parents, family members, teachers and community members who demonstrate kindness, respect, courage and resilience.<\/p>\n
They were able to write, draw, or film a video entry that described the person who is their superhero.<\/p>\n
The Superhero of the Year Award went to Madeleine Rentsch, who was nominated by her brother, Finn Rentsch, a grade 4 pupil at Geelong East Primary School.Bethany Group chief executive officer Grant Boyd said Finn\u2019s relationship with his sister as his full-time carer stood out among the entries.<\/p>\n
\u201cFinn wrote about many ways his sister cares for him as his guardian and his heartfelt nomination showed a special bond between them,\u201d Mr Boyd said.<\/p>\n
\u201cHis entry speaks to the core of what we value at Bethany; that families are safe, loving and connected.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe could see through Finn\u2019s nomination that Ms Rentsch is selfless, generous and caring.\u201d<\/p>\n
Anakie Primary School grade 6 pupil Electra Zavitsanos won her aunty Betty Sannos the Family and Friends Superhero Award.<\/p>\n
\u201cElectra\u2019s entry described her aunty Betty as a very resilient person who has overcome cancer, and supported family members through COVID and the death of a loved one,\u201d Mr Boyd said.<\/p>\n
\u201cDuring the challenging year we\u2019ve had, resilience is an important skill for children to learn from their role models.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Teachers, Coaches and Community Superhero Award went to art teacher Gareth Colliton, who was nominated by Warrnambool East grade 4 pupil Hugh Adams.<\/p>\n
\u201cHugh\u2019s entry showed how impactful teachers are to shape children\u2019s passions,\u201d Mr Boyd said.<\/p>\n
\u201cHugh attributed Mr Colliton\u2019s kindness and encouraging support as the reason he is inspired to draw.\u201d<\/p>\n
Mr Boyd congratulated this year\u2019s winners and finalists.<\/p>\n
\u201cThese everyday heroes help children in our community to get the best start in life,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
The Times News Group was the media partner for the 2021 Bethany Superhero Awards.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
THIS year\u2019s winners of the Bethany Superhero Awards have been announced, following the COVID lockdown and restrictions cancelling last month\u2019s ceremony. The 12 primary school pupil finalists from almost 300 entries have been waiting to learn whether their local hero won one of three Superhero Awards, and found out at an event \u201cunder the dome\u201d […]<\/p>\n