Kirsten White has been named the Emmaus award winner for Emmaus College for 2017.
Kirsten, 17, of Jimboomba said she felt “overwhelmed” in receiving the award, given to a Year 12 student who upholds the values and ethos of the college, who works well with staff, represents the college with pride and acts as a role model for peers. It is a major non academic achievement.
Kirsten was nominated for the award by English teacher Anne Wagner, for giving of her time generously.
“They kept it on the down low and I only found out I was nominated on the night. It was an amazing way to finish my schooling and I felt overwhelmed at such an achievement,” she said.
Kirsten has attended Emmaus College since Prep and said she felt excited but “nerve wracked” about leaving.
“The school has been my home for most of my life and I will always do what I can to help. I have received a wonderful education and will do what needs to be done to give back,” she said.
This year, Kirsten was among the organisers to raise about $300 for St Vincent de Paul with a sleep out. The money was used to buy toiletries and cosmetics for local homeless and there was also donations of blankets and clothes for winter.
Kirsten was also able to go on the school immersion trip to Vietnam and Cambodia.
“This was a real eye opener for me. The trip was designed for us to become immersed in another culture. It made me appreciate my life in Australia and encouraged my career choice,” she said.
Kirsten hopes to attend Griffith University next year to do a Bachelor of Education in primary education and later teach overseas where she hopes to “make a difference”.
In the meantime her ties with the college continue through her mother Nicki White who is the school’s receptionist and siblings who will be in Years 12,11 and 9 next year.
