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YAS awards for fantastic four

13 Sep, 2022

An awesome foursome with interests ranging from sport to human rights and the arts are the joint winners of this month’s Wodonga Council Young Achiever Scheme awards.

The four rising stars, Annika Sorrensen, Sarah Seckold, Lily Wellington and Israel Monga, have all received financial support to help them pursue their dreams.

Seventeen-year-old Annika used her funding to help with the costs of competing at the School Sport Australia swimming championships in Queensland, where she reached the final in the 50-metre backstroke.

She also finished 12th in the 50-metre freestyle and 11th in the 50-metre breaststroke.

As part of her masters in international studies, Sarah Seckold is participating in a 12-month program, “learning and living Europe” – an international program that has seen her rotate through Berlin, Nice and Rome.

Organised by the Centre International de Formation Européenne, the program allows students to gain a deep understanding of the European Union in a complex world.

Sarah, 22, plans to work in the field of human rights/counter-violent extremism and the support from the council has helped her towards that goal.

Twelve-year-old Lily Wellington will use her YAS award to help her compete in a national dance grand final in Myrtleford next month.

Lily has been the 12 years age champion at number of regional events this year and hopes to be the National 12 Years Overall Champion for 2022, and represent Wodonga against competitors from all capital cities in Australia.

And Israel Monga, 14, hopes to attract the attention of talent scouts after receiving YAS support to compete in the Football Australia National Youth Championships in Coffs Harbour, NSW, later this month.

Already selected for the Victorian Country under-14 side, Israel will benefit from exposure to elite level coaching and competition, including A-League scouts, when he represents his city and state among some of Australia’s best young players.

Wodonga Mayor Kev Poulton praised all four winners, saying he’s confident their passion and talent will drive them towards great achievements on behalf of Wodonga.

“Every month in our YAS awards we recognise amazing young people doing remarkable things but to have four young stars chosen as winners in the September round once again illustrates the talents of our new generation and it’s exciting to be able to support young achievers across such a diverse range of experiences,” he said.

“We know the future of our city is in great hands with young people such as Annika, Sarah, Lily, and Israel leading the way and we look forward to following their journeys as they strive to make their dreams come true.”

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