Scholar exemplars stand tall and proud

A POSITIVE thrum of congeniality was evident in the Town Hall’s Trench Room last week when thirteen secondary school students were each presented with a Student Citizenship Award certificate.

The Order of Australia Association created the awards to recognise the achievements of the younger generation especially their commitment and involvement with the broader community.

“The importance of these awards is acknowledging those students who could become our community leaders of the future,” said John Burt, Chair of Order of Australia Association Central Highlands-Wimmera Group.

“There was a sensational atmosphere in the room when the students stepped up individually to hear their citation and receive their certificate.

“Their families, friends and school representatives came along to support these students which made them feel good.”

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.

Phoenix P-12 Community College selected Tazmin Forrest describing her as a dedicated student and leader who displays the College values.

As an active member of the school’s student leadership team, Tazmin is considered a respected role model.

She has recently returned from competing in the World Archery Youth Championships in Madrid, Spain.

“When my teacher, Ms Quinn, told me about the award and I realised how important it was, I was very excited,” Tazmin said. “I think that if you put maximum effort in at school and maximum effort in your sport, you outdo yourself.

“Sometimes you can have a big and vicious goal but you’ve got to work your way up and eventually it is attainable.”

Samuel Edmends was the Year 10 student nominated by Mount Rowan Secondary School.

The School’s citation noted his involvement with the School Representative Council and the School Voice Team.

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.

“When I found out more about the award, I realised this was something special and that’s when I started to get this nervous feeling about just how amazing it really was,” Samuel said.

Students up to Year 9 generally hang out in groups and are not so confident without their mates, Seona Murnane, Mount Rowan Secondary Collage’s Principal said.

Schools often recognise their students for group accomplishments such as being a team sports player or a member of the orchestra.

“Year 10 is when they really do stand on their own two feet and become more of an individual,” Ms Murnane said. “I find that the students feel prouder about their personal achievements.

“I spoke to Sam and his mum after school on the day of the presentation and they were both were still beaming.”

Austin Chivers said he felt nervous and excited at the same time about the award as he entered the Trench Room.

A student at Ballarat Specialist School, Austin and his younger brother walk to and from school together each day.

According to his citation Austin is a supporting member of the Ballarat Speedway Club where he assists with mechanical repairs.

“I love cars and working on racing cars and go-karts at the Speedway on weekends,” Austin said. “My dad raced at the Speedway and he was always working on his cars, so I wanted to see what he was doing.

“Now all of us do it together.”

 

This year’s recipients Student Citizenship Awards are:

Amber Kennett, Damascus College

Amber Townsend, Woodman’s Hill Secondary College

Austin Chivers, Ballarat Specialist School

Darcy Williams, Saint Patrick’s College

Emma- Jayne Golding, Ballarat Christian College

Johanna Wilson, Ballarat Grammar School

Lilly Pennell, Ballarat High School

Mitchell Braumann, Mount Clear College

Samuel Edmends, Mount Rowan Secondary College

Sapphire Osman, Loreto College

Tazmin Forrest, Phoenix P-12 Community College

Thomas Jenkins, Ballarat Clarendon College

Thomas McCarthy, Ballarat Grammar School