PENOLA High School graduate Brooke Hutchesson has been recognised for her extensive and dedicated work in the community with the prestigious Wattle Range Council Riddoch Ward young citizen of the year.
Brooke, who finished Year 12 last year, was co-president of the Student Representative Council and vice house captain where she developed a number of important community-based events.
As well as studying for end of year exams, Brooke spent her final year participating in a number of community activities, including the cancer fitness initiative
The March Charge and hosting a barbecue to raise funds for sick children via the Give Me 5 for Kids charity.
“The benefit for others and seeing their smiles is the best part of doing these types of events,” Ms Hutchesson said.
“When people congratulate you or say thank you it is such a good feeling but it is not always about the recognition.
“It is important to have these sorts of things that you can reflect back on and people know you for these things.”
Ms Hutchesson said she enjoyed participating in the events and encouraged community members to get involved in volunteering.
She enjoys the events, saying people were “able to do big things in small ways”.
“You do not always have to host big events to raise awareness,” she said.
“You can do something small and it will still have a big community impact.”
The young leader said being nominated for an award which recognises community involvement was a huge honour, labeling it as something she can be grateful for.
“We are so lucky to live in a place where community involvement can be done in big or small ways,” she said.
“I want to congratulate all of the other worthy award winners.”
