BENALLA STUDENTS HONOURED FOR HAVING WHAT IT TAKES

Benalla students who have demonstrated qualities including persistence and resilience to achieve during the 2004 school year have been individually honoured by The Nationals, Member for Benalla, Bill Sykes.

Dr Sykes was kept busy this week announcing six “You’ve Got What It Takes – ‘Weary’ Dunlop Awards to deserving Benalla students.

Winners of the awards were James Gipp (Benalla Primary School), Caitlin Kendall (Benalla East Primary School), Sarah Dudley (Benalla West Primary School), Lauren Rogash (Benalla College), Bernadette O’Brien (St Joseph’s Primary School) and Aaron Edwards (FCJ).

The students were presented with a framed certificate acknowledging their efforts to demonstrate the qualities of getting along, persistence, resilience and confidence.

“I would like to congratulate all the students for sticking to their guns and working hard to not lose sight of what they wanted to achieve,” Dr Sykes said.

The award, which was initiated by Dr Sykes earlier this year in consultation with principals, aims to build on the success of the You Can Do It program which operates successfully in schools throughout the region.

It also honours the life of Sir Edward “Weary” Dunlop, who during the darkest hours of World War II provided inspiration and leadership to thousands of Australian prisoners of war.

During his life “Weary” demonstrated the key qualities of persistence and resilience, along with compassion, humility, friendship, forgiveness, courage, leadership and integrity.

Dr Sykes said a total of 14 awards were presented to students at participating primary and secondary schools in the Benalla Electorate before the end of the 2004 school year.

The students were selected following a nomination and selection process earlier this month and will now be offered the opportunity to enjoy morning tea at Parliament House or attend a Brisbane Lions Victorian football match.

Media contact: Bill Sykes (03) 5762 2100 or 0427 624 989