STUDENT ACHIEVEMENTS – GOLD DUKE OF EDINBURGH AWARD
It was with great excitement that we received notification last week that Jessica Myers-Denton of Year 11 had been awarded the Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. This award recognises Jessica’s efforts over the past few years in the areas of physical recreation, skill, service, a residential project and an adventurous project. For Jessica, the award was not a new concept, having previously completed the bronze and silver awards.
As part of her Gold award, Jessica spent one month of her summer holidays volunteering in Western Australia where she worked at the Dolphin Discovery Centre, which studies bottlenose dolphins. Working five days a week for four weeks, Jessica worked with a team and was involved in all aspects of the Centre’s activities including: research, education, tourism, training, data collection, attending meetings and speaking about the centre publicly. Jessica also went out in boats, swam with the dolphins, and assisted with the Centre’s work studying the impact of people on dolphins and the rehabilitation of marine animals. Overall it was an amazing experience - Jessica received certificates from the Centre for her contribution and was invited to return again.
Over the past two years, while working towards the gold award, Jessica has learnt aerobics, volunteered as a dance instructor, conducted research into dolphins and visited Cambodia where she was involved in a residential humanitarian trip.
Throughout the entire program, Jessica has been extremely well organised and committed. She has gained many skills and built confidence and resilience. While the primary focus of the MLMC Duke of Edinburgh program is at the Bronze level at Year 9, Jessica is a wonderful role-model for younger students and an example of how the program can open doors to endless opportunities. Soon, Jessica will be presented with her award at Parliament House. Rumour has it that there may even be a very special Royal guest presenting her with the award!
