By NATALIE GALLENTI-BREKALO
THREE students from Bayside College have been recognised for their outstanding contribution to the community.
Nabila Wahtuningtyaf, Jake Wilkinson and James Sayer received Inspirational Young Person in Hobsons Bay awards last week, and all agreed they felt very proud and humbled by the award.
Nabila, 17, who received the award for her achievements in music, said she was honoured to be receiving an award for doing something she loved.
The international student arrived in Australia almost three years ago and could not speak English, but has spent the last two-and-a-half years performing in front of audiences across the city.
She recently performed at Federation Square on Australia Day and can boast playing the guitar and drums.
“I’m very proud of the award, singing is just my hobby … I have been doing it since I was little,” Nabila told Star.
Unlike other teenagers, Jake Wilkinson has a very different hobby, which has now become a thriving career.
The Year 11 student received the award for his work as a professional magician and admits it is something he has always wanted to do.
“I was 11 years old when I saw a magician on TV and knew that was what I wanted to do,” he said.
“It’s really good to receive an award and people recognising your work.”
James Sayer received the award for the outstanding work he has done in raising money for Wyndham youngster Alex Miller and her family.
Alex suffers from an extremely rare and incurable tumour and her story touched James, who has now met the family and recently organised a fund-raiser at the school and helped to make $1000 for the family.
“I was absolutely stoked with the award and really didn’t think I would get it…I hope to continue to raise money for the family,” he said.
The students received the award last Wednesday night at a special evening hosted by Hobsons Bay City Council.
