So much more than academic success

Two Limestone Coast based students have been selected as part of a 40-strong Statewide cohort of students to receive a 2023 Governor of South Australia Commendation – Excellence Award.

Grant High School’s Ruby Wallace, who was also the region’s highest ranking student with an ATAR of 98.5, and Robe’s Maddie Wirth, who adds this honour to her 2023 Robe Young Citizen of the Year Australia Day honour, both made the cut.

While Ruby clearly met the academic criteria assigned the Governor’s award, it was also a raft of other qualities that saw the Grant High graduate honoured.

Ruby’s focus on literacy, including working with her peers and younger students to enhance their skills, and her community advocacy work through the ac.care fundraiser Recycled Runway, who also promotes sustainable fashion, were all part of Ruby’s successful nomination.

Her research project which focused on the effectiveness of prisons in rehabilitation and reducing recidivism and her completion of two university courses all added to Ruby’s credentials when it came to securing one of the 40 top gongs on offer.

Maddie is as community-minded as any teenager going around, which is what not only secured her that Young Citizen of the Year honour, but also the Governor’s award.

The list of Maddie’s community involvement is as impressive as her academic achievement.

She participates in pilates, the run club, and plays netball for the Robe Netball Club, as well as playing a role in the surf lifesaving club, Kingston and Millicent basketball clubs, yoga, dance, and calisthenics.

She works at a local restaurant, babysits, and volunteers at the Childcare on Wheels Service.