From the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Coordinator

Gold Award PARTICIPANTS HonoUred by the Governor of South Australia

On the last day of Term 3, Friday 27 September, I along with Ms Paddy McEvoy and Mr Tom Cotton had the pleasure of escorting twelve students to attend a Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Ceremony hosted by the Governor of South Australia, Her Excellency the Honourable Frances Adamson AC, who presented each recipient with their Gold Award.

I highly recommend all parents to encourage their daughters to take up the opportunity to participate in, and experience this World recognized Award.

The 12 students awarded were: Alexis Auret, Marley Band, Anjali Becker, Sara Boksmati, Eleanor Buckham, Olivia Daniel, Keira Gerrard, Tali Hodgkiss-Roberts, Airlie Hoendervanger, Abbey Moretti, Alicia Rudko and Yasmin Toy.

Mr Alan Brown
Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Coordinator

Below you’ll find students’ reflections of their experiences whilst participating in the Dukes Award:

“My Dukes experience was one that I will remember forever, from the multiple kayaking and hiking expeditions, community service and participation on the Larapinta Trail. My community service encompassed many hours at the school canteen, participation with JAM, and my amazing experience in the APY Lands. The Larapinta Trail was magical, with the breathtaking sunrises and sunsets, views seen upon the everlasting stretch of mountains, and the ethereal beauty of the waterholes. I am very grateful for all the opportunities given to me through the Dukes experience as I have been able to develop many aspects of myself.”  Alicia Rudko (Year 12 student)

“Participating in all Dukes camps and activities throughout all three levels has been such a privilege to be a part of. It is such a wonderful experience being able to participate in challenging activities with peers and to extend relationships with likeminded people you share these challenges with. I have loved overcoming challenges with friends around me and growing as a young person alongside them.” Sara Boksmati (Year 12 student)

“Throughout my Dukes journey, I have had so many unforgettable experiences. From Bronze to Gold, I developed my love of the outdoors, camping, and travel, and relished every opportunity to go on a Dukes camp. Some of my favourite Duke’s memories were on the Tiwi islands, where we went for a sunset walk around the Wurrumiyanga township, and shared stories with the incredible Sister Anne Gardiner. I developed new skills such as learning French and was able to play badminton for SAC. With the award, I have achieved more than I could ever imagine and have been able to come out of my shell, not afraid to try new things.” Olivia Daniel (Year 12 student)

“For the past few years, the Dukes program has been an integral party of my life, and I am so lucky to have had all the opportunities this program has awarded me. From kayaking on the River Murray during storm seasons and floods to bushwalks and orienteering, I am so grateful for all the skills I was able to develop and all the friends that I made. My highlight of my entire Dukes journey was the time I spent immersed and welcomed into the Pipalyatjara Aboriginal community in the APY Lands, something that has shaped my very being and I will never forget.” Eleanor Buckham (Year 12 student)

“Dukes has been a great opportunity providing me with lifelong memories and a range of skills and qualities. The Bronze level walking camps set me up for my future Dukes endeavours. Packing and carrying all my items into a hiking bag that was almost the same size as my Year 8 self was a painful yet rewarding experience. I had the chance to meet many other people across my year level and in the grades above developing lifelong friendships. Moving into Silver I was met with the challenge of navigating a group of 12 students through the backwaters of the Murray River, although there were some wrong turns, through working together as a team we made our way to a remote campsite. We had to paddle through rain, sunshine and ocean-like waves, yet I still enjoyed every moment of it, feeling connected to the nature around me and the others with whom I was on the journey. When I finally reached the Gold level the hours of volunteering and skill development in the other levels all seemed worth it when I was granted the once in a lifetime opportunity to visit the Tiwi Islands as a part of my Gold Residential Project. This experience opened my eyes to the culture of the local community and gave me an opportunity to connect with the students in the local school. The immersion although was out of my comfort zone, gave me a chance to learn and broaden my views of Aboriginal culture within Australia. The memories formed and the connections built are ones that I will treasure forever. Overall, my Dukes journey has been a highlight during my time at SAC, my experiences and memories will be something that I will take well into my life post-graduation.” Yasmin Toy (Year 12 student)

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