By REBECCA BILLS
YARRA Hills Secondary College student Mitch Wilson is one of 3506 students across Australia to receive an ADF Long Tan Leadership and Teamwork award.
The year 10 Mount Evelyn campus student said he was very surprised that he was given the award and that he had always admired the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and the work that it does.
“They have a lot of values and skills that I think would be really important in a workforce situation,” he said.
Described as a ‘natural leader’, Mr Wilson said as being a leader of the school he is always looking at how he can make changes that can really benefit others.
“Leadership is not something where you think “oh I want to be a leader,” it’s something that you build upon with what your values are and how you view other people,” he said.
The ADF Long Tan Award began in 2006 to encourage leadership and teamwork among school-aged students as an integral part of their personal development and contributions towards enhancing community spirit within the school and broader community.
Students in years 10 and 12 were recognised with awards of $250 and $550 respectively, along with a certificate of merit.
Yarra Hills Secondary College Active Principal Robyn Dew said Mr Wilson is an integral part of the school community through the leadership capabilities he has shown since his first day at the school.
“The Australian Defence Force Long Tan Award is about leadership, and that is something that Mitch has shown ever since year seven where he put his hand up for SRC (Student Representative Council) to a House Captain role through to peer support,” she said.
“He has been an exceptional role model for our younger students as far as the way he acts, the sort of person he is, and he is well liked within the school by students and staff.
“He’s a very natural leader and just one of those kids that is nice to everyone.”
Mrs Dew said the school is very grateful to the ADF for providing such an award.
“Without these sorts of awards most schools are quite limited in what they can provide,” she said.
“When you have got these very meaningful certificates and awards with money attached, which is really going to help Mitch as far as his future studies, we are very grateful.”
Head of Cadet, Reserve and Employer Support Division Major General Paul Brereton congratulated the students from around Australia who have been given the notable award.
“To have so many young Australians recognised by their schools for contributing to their local community and demonstrating leadership qualities is outstanding,” Major General Brereton said.
“To be able to commend the efforts of exceptional young Australians through this award is fantastic.
“This year, as with previous years, we have seen an enthusiastic response from secondary colleges across the country.”
