By Peter Douglas
FIVE Emerald Secondary College students have edged out 33 schools across the state to win a top award for the Victorian Student Representative Council (VICSRC) awards.
As finalists, the students were invited to the awards night at Docklands on Tuesday, 18 October, which was hosted by Victorian Minister for Education, James Merlino, with representatives from the schools attending.
The group, from Years 7 and 8, had worked on a heartfelt project to address teenage views of drugs and alcohol, which they hope will help them make better, more informed choices.
Principal Jodie Doble said she, along with friends and families of the students, also attended so they could show their support.
“As a principal, I am extremely proud of their dedication to our school community, their hard work, team spirit and their achievements,” she said.
“These students are a real credit to not only their families and our school, but the future of our community.”
Ms Doble said the students’ project had led them to work with numerous organisations including the Youth Support and Advocacy Service (YSAS), Headspace, ECHO Youth and Family Services, and the Victorian Department of Education.
Through their efforts, they developed a pro-active, engaging curriculum program for the school.
They also launched a ‘Stop and Think’ campaign, as well as a parent information night which was supported by Richmond footballer, Steve Morris.
The students have written and published a choose-your-own graphic novel to help students better understand how decisions with drugs and alcohol not only affect their lives, but the lives of their friends and families.
