DOZENS of community-minded young people have been recognised with awards for their services to the region, guided by Kerang Rotarians.
There were 28 recipients in the junior community awards for 2021, and the program will continue this year.
Rotarian Colleen Scriven, who has coordinated the program for eight years, said the presentation evening in December allowed 90 community members to celebrate the future leaders.
“Community service has been very hard over the last two years, so we’ve had to think outside the square,” Ms Scriven said.
“We have four areas of service for the kids to focus on: community service, skills, physical recreation and social.”
Ms Scriven said some of the young people volunteered at aged care centres reading newspapers or having a chat with residents, or buddied up with next door neighbours to mow lawns or cook meals.
“For skills, that could be learning a new hobby or interest like craft or cooking or sport,” she said.
“Physical recreation, they could play sport but during the pandemic bike riding either by themselves or with family became common.
“Social experience was also difficult but some students chose to attend council or Rotary meetings through video links, as well as other school meetings.”
Ms Scriven explained that Rotarians keep in touch with young people, from prep to grade six at four schools, to verify students’ activities when they produce reports on their progress.
The club hopes these youngsters will go on to great things, as evidenced by the recent accomplishments of Kerang Technical High School 2021 graduate Caleb Hall, who finished his schooling with one of the highest ATARs in the Gannawarra Shire.
Caleb also completed the community service program and has spoken at Rotary leadership events. Ms Scriven said Caleb was a “true leader”.
Any students interested in participating in the awards are encouraged to speak to their school and Rotary.
