By YASEMIN TALAT
OVER a dozen young people were recognised for their contribution to the community and dedication to their education at the Gorton Young Leaders Award ceremony last week.
Federal Gorton MP Brendan O’Connor presented 14 graduates from the Gorton electorate with Young Leader Awards at a ceremony held at his Caroline Springs electorate last Wednesday.
The Gorton Young Leader Awards, now in its fifth year, recognises the hard work and community service of recently graduated high school students in the electorate.
“I give my heartfelt congratulations to these young men and women,” Mr O’Connor said.
“Each recipient here has distinguished themselves as future leaders through their commitment to their education and their community,” he said.
The Gorton young leaders, who graduated from seven different schools across the electorate, were acknowledged for their volunteer work and efforts to help local causes which included volunteering for St John Ambulance and leading fundraising activities for HeartKids.
Also among them were former school captains and members of student leadership groups.
“Each of these young people are advocates for their formers schools and advocates for their communities,” Mr O’Connor said.
“I’m proud we have such upstanding representatives of Melbourne’s West,” he said.
“It is very pleasing to see so many accomplished young people in our community.”
The following students received their awards at the ceremony last week:
* Gordana Ostojic – Melton Secondary College.
* Kyle Olinga – Melton Secondary College.
* Maddy Florescu – Lakeview Senior College.
* Luke Bethune – Lakeview Senior College.
* Jennie Johnstone – Staughton College.
* Jordan Lindsay – Staughton College.
* Jemima Justus – Melton Christian College.
* Darren Quinto – Melton Christian College.
* Kim Mendez – Victoria University Secondary College (Deer Park Campus).
* Cuong Tran – Victorian University Secondary College (Deer Park Campus).
* Annika Miesen – Catholic Regional College Melton.
* Bryce Robinson – Catholic Regional College Melton.
* Mehak Sheik – Copperfield College.
* Tommii (Tam) Phan – Copperfield College.
