by Glenys Grant
The Rotary Club of Nunawading’s unique Youth Achievement Awards were began 46 years ago under the auspices of (the now closed) Rotary Club of Forest Hill.
These awards are given to year six students attending a primary school within the City of Whitehorse, who have excelled in being helpful contributors to the school community. The total number of students who have received this recognition is now 460 – a wonderful acknowledgement.
Rotary feels it is important to celebrate these kind and hard-working young achievers when so much of the press is writing that youth crime is rampant.
The award is affectionately called the ‘Unsung Hero Award’ as the idea is to recognise one student from each of 12 local primary schools who might not normally be recognised in the community for their efforts and may not have received many academic or sporting awards, but has excelled in other ways. These worthy recipients are nominated by their school.
To be selected, the student must be deemed a role model who upholds the school’s values; can be called upon to help the school or colleagues at any time; has achieved success through application and determination throughout the year; has made a worthwhile contribution to the school community and/or the environment and who strives hard to succeed and to help others.
This November, to celebrate these youngsters, the Rotary club held two dinners, each for six families, at Bucatini Restaurant. The citation as to why each student was selected was read out by Rotarian hosts. In attendance were Rotary District 9815 District Governor Elect Emma Clark, District Governor Nominee Murray Wilson and Bendigo Bank representative Chelsea Deacon.
This year those awarded were:
- Blackburn Lake Primary School, Award winner, Ryan
- Burwood Heights PS, Award Winner, Miguel
- Livingstone PS, Award winner, Evie
- Mt Pleasant Road PS, Award Winner, Amber
- Nunawading Christian College, Abigail
- Orchard Grove PS, Award winner,Felicity
- Parkmore PS, Award Winner, Jacob
- Rangeview PS, Award Winner, Matthew
- Vermont PS, Award Winner, Ruby
- Vermont Sth Special PS, Award Winner, Beau
- Weeden Heights PS, Award Winner, Advaith
- Whitehorse PS Award Winner,William
All awardees at the dinners were supported by parents and siblings, some also by grandparents and teachers. Prizes included vouchers, photos, family dinners, framed certificates, laminated citations, a generous goodie bag each from Bendigo Bank, and publicity for themselves and their schools.
As each citation is read out at the dinners, is easy to think what a wonderful future is ahead for these young achievers. Congratulations to all.