A LEADING role model for youth, Alecia Sheedy has been acknowledged for her dedication to both St John and the community, recently nominated for the Santos Regional Service Award.
Now in the running for the accolade, which forms part of the South Australian Young Achievers awards, Ms Sheedy she said did not feel “worthy” of the nomination.
“I was shocked when I found out and I honestly could not believe I could be worthy as a recipient,” she said.
“I think my nomination has a lot to do with my commitment to the cadet division at St John Mount Gambier.
“My passion revolves around growing youth and it is about the kids working to acknowledge all of the opportunities they are presented with.”
In 2014, Ms Sheedy was confronted with the tragic loss of three St John members in a fatal car crash, including cadet divisional officer Josh Doyle, corporal Jessica Doyle, their mother Michelle – a non-operational member – and their grandmother Beverly Khan who volunteered regularly for St John functions.
“It was a real turning point for me but I stepped up and asked what I could do to support the cadet division,” she said.
“We do everything we can to ensure their legacy is maintained and we do not lose vision of what is important.”
Ms Sheedy has lead the youth of St John for the past four years and wants to ensure children have opportunity to grow.
With over a decade of involvement with St John, Ms Sheedy encouraged other members of the community to also volunteer.
“Being involved in any volunteer organisation is a way of giving back to the community so I would encourage people to become involved if they can,” she said.
“Volunteering is something which is needed and there needs to be more of us.
“We are a backbone of the community and without us there are services that do not run, missed opportunities and there can be no community growth.”
Ms Sheedy said the St John’s youth program was exceptional.
“I guess I am just one example of what St John can offer youth,” she said.
“If I can give the kids that little bit more to push them to be that little bit better than they were already going to be, that is all that matters.
“I thank everyone who has walked the journey with St John, as if it was not for them I would not be anywhere close to where I am now.”
Ms Sheedy’s tireless efforts have previously been acknowledged with several youth accolades, including the recent 2018 National Norma Bell Youth Leader Award.
Mount Gambier mental health ambassador Kyra Skyes has also been nominated for her dedicated work in the mental health sector and fundraising initiatives, including being the eldest member of the Mount Gambier Youth Reference Group, shaving her long locks for the I Am More head shave and public speaking at a Youth Week event hosted by headspace.
Award judging will start March 11 with finalists and winners announced at a gala dinner on May 17.
Category winners will each receive a $1000 award prize courtesy of Axsys, along with a $1000 Bartercard account and a magnificent trophy.
The young achiever of the year will receive a state trophy, a further $2000 from Axsys and an additional $1000 Bartercard account plus a Hilton Hotels holiday package provided by Hilton Adelaide.
