Youths vie for awards

By Jessica Howard

Bacchus Marsh Grammar student Jessica Ewert is this year’s Lions Club Youth of the Year.

The 18-year-old VCE student was awarded the John Cadzow Memorial trophy on Monday (February 19).

The late John Cadzow was an esteemed member of the Lions Club of Bacchus Marsh, who was committed to assisting youth in the Bacchus Marsh community.

Jessica, the overall winner, competed against Bacchus Marsh College students Amelia Mahon, Danielle Kirwan and Frank Horrocks; and fellow Bacchus Marsh Grammar students, Juulke Castelijn and Laura Knauer.

Interviews for the annual Youth of the Year award were held at the Jean Oomes Room in the Lerderderg Library. The public speaking dinner was held at The Plough in Myrniong.

The judging panel consisted of La Trobe University senior lecturer, Chris van der Poel; Solicitor Myles Bentley and Emma Muir from Pentland Landcare and Grow West .

Bacchus Marsh College student, Amelia Mahon was the winner of the public speaking section of the club judging.

Bacchus Marsh Grammar teacher Debra Ogston and Bacchus Marsh College teacher Tori Mulligan attended the evening in support of their respective students.

Bacchus Marsh Lions Club member and Youth of the Year coordinator, Len Murfitt said the awards were conducted annually to select an outstanding youth to be an ambassador for Australia and travel overseas under the auspices of Lions International.

“At the various levels of the Youth of the Year, the entrants are judged on leadership skills, involvement in the wider community including sporting and cultural activities, their academic prowess, general knowledge, personality and public speaking skills,” he said.

Lions Club of Bacchus Marsh President, Peter Gist congratulated all entrants, especially Jessica and Amelia.

Mr Gist wished Jessica well as she progresses to the next level of the program in the coming weeks
The Youth of the Year Award is sponsored by National Australia Bank Community Link.