Gemma Mathers, left, and Anna Haintz, two of three Damascus College students to receive Future Leaders awards. PICTURE: ADAM TRAFFORD
Three Damascus College students recognised with Future Leaders awards will pursue their dreams while helping communities in need next year.
Gemma Mathers won the Future Leaders Role Model Award, Anna Haintz received the Future Leaders Justice Award, and Madeleine Macallister was awarded the Future Leader Photography Prize.
Ms Macallister said it was a surprise to be selected, but very exciting.
“Hopfully it’ll help in the future with trying to get a photography job,” she said.
Ms Mathers, who has a history of charitable involvement in the Ballarat community, plans to volunteer at an orphanage in Africa next year.
Meanwhile, Ms Haintz, a school captain, wants to teach English in Ballarat’s East Timorese sister city Ainaro.
Ms Macallister, the Damascus College arts captain, is taking a gap year and travelling to Vietnam to pursue her passion for photography.
A philanthropic initiative, the Future Leaders awards recognise and reward young Australians who have shown achievement, leadership and potential.