Young High School’s Nick Boland is well on his way to completing the gold and final level of the esteemed Duke of Edinburgh Award.
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It’s an international leadership program especially designed for young people under 25, who are required to complete certain activities over so many months for each level.
The high school has been a coordinator of the awards program for 10 years.
“Nick is the first student in 10 years to go for gold,” Young High teacher Kerrie Coulter said.
The Year 11 student has spent the last nine months (for levels bronze and silver) undertaking volunteer work and physical activity, learning a new skill and setting out on an adventurous journey.
Nick completed his volunteering duties at the Southern Cross Cinema and performing with the town’s jazz band.
His new skill was to learn a new instrument and his physical activities involved attending the gym and playing football.
His adventure took place in the Namadgi National Park, south of Canberra, with three other students, hiking and caving over three days.
Now Nick is about to embark on another 12 months of similar activities for the gold level.
“It’s something to strive for,” Nick said.
“I’m hoping to go to Tasmania for my next expedition.”
There are 15 students involved in the program, with another Year 11 student, Nathan Hislop, just about to sign-off on his silver award.
Nathan has also been helping at the cinema, learning to drive for his new skill and playing soccer.
He joined Nick exploring Namadgi.