Spirit of leadership

MORE than 50 students from 55 local schools were presented with 2012 Holt Community Spirit and Leadership Awards last week.
A crowd of more than 300 people attended the City of Casey Council Chambers for the event which was conducted by Federal Holt MP Anthony Byrne.
The awards were presented to acknowledge students who go above and beyond expectations.
“These awards recognise the outstanding contribution made by the students and the difference their hard work and dedication has made to their schools and the wider community,” Mr Byrne said.
He said the presentation gave guests the chance to hear about some of the outstanding work that these recipients have done.
“On Monday night we heard outstanding stories of students going above and beyond to help others,” he said.
One of these students included Kevin Tangga.
“Kevin has a long list of accolades, including working with World Vision, being an Australia Day Study Tour recipient in 2011 and raising more than $1000 for the 40 Hour Famine.”
Mr Byrne spoke of other students who were also recognised for their contributions to the community.
“There were many other similarly impressive stories heard on the night, including Brandilee Norris from Lyndhurst Secondary College who has been passionate about raising funds for Beyond Blue,” Mr Byrne said.
“She has organised many fundraisers and focused on education about anxiety and depression.”
“Brandilee has also raised money for Jeans for Genes Day and completed work placement at a home for the elderly.”
Mr Byrne said the ongoing event is one which is held to honour the hard work of youths throughout the community.
“The Holt Community Spirit and Leadership Awards is an event which is run annually to celebrate the positive contributions young people have made in the local community,” Mr Byrne said.
“It was a great honour to present these awards on behalf of the community, and I look forward to following the award recipient’s stories for many years to come.”