Fewer can say they received an award for one during a global pandemic.
But Ruby Sproules can, having received a Silver Duke of Edinburgh Award.
The Cobram Secondary College student completed parts of the award during the isolation period, which included learning a new skill, performing community service and completing a physical activities each week for the past six months.
The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award chief executive Stephen Mason congratulated Ruby on demonstrating that young people are capable of not only rising to challenge of adjusting to the `new normal’ but also of leading the way.
“We could not be more proud of Ruby and other young people like herself, who are persevering through challenges, such as completing an award, during this period,” he said.
“Completing an award under any circumstance is a huge achievement and demonstrates a high degree of resilience, determination, leadership, creativity and problem solving.”
Ruby spent part of her week for six months helping out at Cobram Primary School, working in the library and organising the community play group, as well as assisting Foundation and Year 1 and Year 2 students.
Ruby also completed an Adventurous Journey as part of the award, travelling to Nepal as part of a World Challenge trip last year.
While pack training for the trek in Nepal, she completed the physical recreation part of the award.
“I had one of the school packs, I don’t remember how heavy it was, and walked up the stairs near the Cobram-Barooga bridge,” she said.
The expedition to Nepal focused on leadership.
Team members organised the trip themselves, planning hotels and flights as well as completing a 12-day trek and providing support and school supplies for a local school.
Her persistence and resolve have been noted by the school principal Kimberley Tempest.
“Ruby is a remarkable young person, showing grit and determination regardless of what’s come her way,” she said.
Ruby said she valued and was encouraged by input of past students who had received the award at the school.
She also is interested in the opportunities and future benefits that will come from having achieved the Award, which is internationally recognised.
“Getting the award will unlock so many pathways. Doing the award during COVID-19 was challenging, which made achieving it mean so much more to me.”
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