THE Orange Young Citizen of the Year award is a way to recognise the young people who make our community great.
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Ashley Morrow was awarded the honour last year for his commitment to his fellow students at Orange High School, his contribution to the school's dramatic arts in his role as stage manager for its school production, his dedication to coordinating the school’s drum corps and his volunteer work towards maintenance of the school buildings.
There are nine worthy youngsters ready to take over Ashley’s role in the coming year.
Here’s a little bit about what makes them worthy nominees, in the words of those who nominated them*.
JAMES CASHEN
James has assisted staff and students at Orange High School (OHS) to an exemplary level, from running the OHS stage and technical crews, to assisting teachers and students administrative support staff with school projects and the development of programs to enhance extra-curricular activities within the performing arts sector.
James has also been heavily involved in many community events, co-directing a road safety program called ‘Consequences’ and undertaking the team leader role in the NSW Rural Fire Service Relay for Life team.
James is a devoted, diligent and selfless individual who delivers the utmost standard of community service and initiative back to Orange and the surrounding area communities.
RYAN DOWNIE
Ryan is currently one of the youngest active Youth Action Council (YAC) members. He is a motivated and valued member of the YAC. Through his involvement, he has given back to the young people of Orange through his promotion of free youth events. Ryan is currently organising a primary school trivia night.
He has received school awards for academic performance and a YAC award for performing arts and singing.
ALASDAIR DENHOLM
Alasdair is currently the acting chair of the YAC. The former Kinross Wolaroi School student was recently accepted into a political science course at the University of Canberra.
He participated in the World’s Greatest Shave and his team achieved the second highest fundraising total nationally. He was shortlisted for the State Youth Council in 2013 and he was selected for a selective music exchange program in 2014.
KALUUMN LEE MAPLE
Kaluumn is an active member of the Orange community. He teaches guitar and recorder lessons at the PCYC and is an active member of YAC.
Kaluum completed his Higher School Certificate studies in 2014 at the age of 14. He is currently completing his pre-law studies. From the age of 10 he was a part of an online science squad where he was awarded Kid of the Year five years in a row. He received several prizes from the competition including a star that was named after him.
Kaluumn was awarded the Young Citizen of the Year award for Cabonne Shire in 2010 for his academic achievement. He has been involved in many art competitions and he has had his own art exhibition Black and White, which ran for two months in Cowra in 2013. He has taken part in the Banjo Paterson Poetry Competition where he took out first place in 2015 and second place in 2016.
HAYDEN INNES
Hayden lives near Opal Cherrywood Grove specialist aged care home. One day he saw an elderly man pushing an elderly woman down the street in a wheelchair and the sight made an impact on him. He asked his mother to put aside half of his pocket money each week to spend the money on a gift for one of the residents at the home. He has continued to save his pocket money and give gifts to the residents on Christmas, Easter, Mother’s Day and Father’s Day.
DIMITY BARTLETT
Dimity has been involved with the dance community in Orange for 15 years. She has represented the city in competitions including the Western NSW Dance Ensemble, Ultimate Spectacular, the State Dance Festival as well as at Disneyland and Universal Studios in the United States.
She is currently attending the Australian Dance Institution in Sydney, working as a choreographer and performing six styles of dance including ballet, hip hop, contemporary, tap, jazz and classical.
AMBER CRAWFORD
Amber gives up her time to volunteer on the YAC. She organises events and she is a good role model for other members. She has organised events such a free youth Halloween event.
She is motivated, is a dedicated student and works part-time. She has been involved with the school musical Oliver, has demonstrated achievement in maths and English and she has volunteered for YAC and several YAC events.
SHARONE MOORE
Sharone is a leader in all aspects of her life. She is dedicated to achieving her best in school and in sport. She has a passion and a drive to help and make change in the Aboriginal community.
She has achieved the highest mark in her personal development, health and physical education subject at Canobolas Rural Technology High School. She will receive an award for academic achievement at her school awards and will play representative basketball.
ACHOK ALUK
Achok has been involved with Orange City Council’s Merge program and Verge program. She makes a significant contribution to the community and is a role model for young Sudanese people. She also helps the older generation of Sudanese within the community.
She is generous with her time in community service. Achok was named Orange City Council’s Youth of the Month in August 2016.
* We are unable to publish the names of the people who submitted nominations.