WINNING the Country Week active achiever award is a triumph in itself but to be named the “best in the history of applications” for the award left a Cape Naturaliste College student in a state of shock.
Year 11 student Ellecha Thorpe said she was so nervous about standing up in front of 4,000 cheering students she missed what the presenter said when announcing her award.
It wasn’t until after the ceremony that her physical education teacher Jacqueline Bovell told her the announcer had said she was “the best in the history of applications”.
“I wasn’t expecting to win and was in total shock when I did,” Ms Thorpe said.
Ms Bovell said not many students could handle the work load which Ellecha had been recognised for.
The award recognises students who are actively involved in a sport, their community and are developing leadership skills.
Ms Thorpe said her volunteer roles within the community and leadership skills she was learning through Youth Parliament were examples she used in her application.
“I love volunteering with the disabled surfing guys in summer and helping out at the Ironman and dementia ward in Busselton,” she said.
“I think it’s important to have a balanced lifestyle with academic studies and emotional well being, I do this by helping others and staying in touch with my community.”
Ms Thorpe played netball at country week and said the atmosphere was amazing.
“I would love to go again next year,” she said.
“It was great how we all worked so closely together and bonded despite not winning the competition.”
