Youth Recognition Awards 2023

Each year the Onkaparinga Youth Committee recognise young people aged 8 to 25 for their outstanding actions in improving their communities, self and securing their futures.

The 2023 awards were held on Monday 27 March with several Woodcroft College students and an Old Scholar recognised for their achievements – we congratulate them all on their success.

Below are excerpts from the 2023 Youth Recognition Awards Program.

Ashlyn Ambler (Year 10)
Nominated for the Youth Art Award.

Isabella Blackwell (Year 7)
Personal Achievement Award
Isabella and her younger sister Penelope, two of Australia’s strongest young BMX talents are blazing a trail for young women in male-dominated sporting codes. Having dominated competition locally, Bella and Penny have been invited to compete at the 2023 BMX World Championships in Glasgow, where they will proudly represent their country and their state. Bella and Penny are known locally for their drive and their natural talent – the pair will make exceptional representatives for our region when on the world stage.

Layla Bovell (Year 9)
Contribution to Community Award
Layla is a mentor with the Youth Environment Council of SA and part of the SA Youth Forum. Layla received a Governor’s Civics Award for Schools on the topic of Mental Health in Youth. She also won a Royal Adelaide Show Investigation Award for Best Food and Fibre Project. Layla continues to work with her fellow students at Woodcroft College in creating and maintaining native edible gardens and is an outstanding student who is passionate about the environment and a more inclusive community for young people. Layla received two separate nominations within this category.

Alisse DiFabio (Old Scholar, 2021)
Business, Employment and Social Enterprise Award
Alisse has developed a business with care, purpose and intent around sustainability and social responsibility. She creates jewellery from unwanted spoons and forks with part of the proceeds going to mental health services. She also crochets cute items that are also price conscious for younger customers making their very first purchase. Alisse has developed her own business model that is true to her values which are based on ‘doing good’.

Reef Fahey (Year 9) and Mahala Fahey (Year 7)
Contribution to Community Award and a Highly Commended Award
Reef and Mahala are creating two short films to raise awareness and acceptance for Down Syndrome (T21). The films are about the use of the ‘R’ word and what it is like having a sibling with T21. They were recently promoted in The Advertiser and have the support and contributions of some well know personalities. They want people to understand that T21 isn’t different or scary. They are both active sports players for school and local community teams in addition to being excellent students.

Olivia Goncalves (Year 9)
Contribution to Community Award
Olivia is a mentor with the Youth Environment Council of SA and part of the Global Citizenship Student Ambassador Program where she is excited to connect with like minded students internationally. Olivia received a Governor’s Civics Award for Schools on the topic of the Struggles of Immigration. She also won the 2022 Royal Adelaide Show Investigation Award for Best Food and Fibre Project. Olivia is an outstanding student who is passionate about positive change in the environment and community.

Liam Young (Year 9)
Contribution to Community Award
Liam is an active member of the Christies Beach Surf Life Saving Club, recently gaining his Surf Rescue Certificate (CPR inclusive). He is actively involved in beach patrols (34.75hrs so far this season) and assists with the junior area of surf life saving development and its activities.