- Latest News
Whyalla’s spirit shines through at Graeme Jose presentation
Twenty-three of Whyalla’s brightest young people have been recognised for their achievements at the Graeme Jose Spirit of Whyalla Awards presentation.
A presentation for the Graeme Jose Spirit of Whyalla Award was held on Thursday, September 1, and highlighted the dedication that the 23 nominated young people have demonstrated to the city of Whyalla.
Seventeen-year-old Mai Rose took out the top honour, being named the winner of the prestigious 2016 Graeme Jose award for her demonstrated ability in academics, as well as her passion of the arts and poetry.
Alicia Renton, 17, received second place for her commitment to voluntary work throughout the community, as well as her demonstrated ability in public speaking.
Seventeen-year-old Morgan Skinner received third place for her commitment to the netball community, both through her own demonstrated netball skills, and also for her commitment to coaching and umpiring.
Alex Giumelli, 17, received the inaugural Eddie Hughes MP Recognition Award for his commitment to his school community.
Judging of this year’s awards was undertaken by Whyalla City Council elected members Jenny Barnes and Robert Schmitz, and 2016 Whyalla Australia Day Youth of the Year Amber Gentle.
Whyalla mayor Lyn Breuer said the Graeme Jose Spirit of Whyalla Award recognised the important contributions young people made to the local community.
“Young people play such an important part in our community; they are the future of our city, and therefore it is so important that we recognise the contributions they are making and encourage our youth to give back to the community,” Ms Breuer said.
“Each and every one of the 23 nominees for this year should be incredibly proud of themselves for being nominated, and for their various achievements.”
Graeme Jose Spirit of Whyalla Award chairperson Jane Hayward said the standard of nominees was continuously high.
“Each year the calibre of nominees continues to increase, and it is so great to see more young people being recognised for their achievements, and most importantly, continuing to see young people being involved in their local community,” Mrs Hayward said.
This year’s award presentation was held at the Middleback Arts Centre, and featured an impressive display of young local talent in the form of dance routines by the Whyalla Hip Hop Dance School, as well as renditions from local musicians Daniel Weidenbach on the piano, and Jasmine Moder singing and playing the guitar.
“This year’s event was better than ever, and I am already looking forward to the 2017 Graeme Jose awards, and seeing even more dedicated young people being recognised for their fantastic achievements within Whyalla,” Mrs Hayward said.
Photographs of the 2016 nominees can be viewed on the Whyalla City Council Facebook page.