On her final day of year 12, Rossmoyne Senior High School student Katrina Pereira, 17, has been named as the State's Positive Image Award Ambassador.
Teachers throughout Western Australia were invited to nominate students who have been outstanding role models for other young people. From the 78 nominations received, 15 students were chosen as region ambassadors, from which Katrina was chosen as the overall WA ambassador.
Youth Minister Tony Simpson visited Katrina's school during her final assembly to surprise her with the ambassador award for her dedication to the environment and community.
In announcing the winner Mr Simpson said: "The young person I would like to surprise today is extremely dedicated to the future of youth, especially regarding the natural environment they will inherit.
"Katrina Pereira is an inspiration to her fellow students and an outstanding contributor to her community."
Katrina, the third child of Steve and Carole Pereira of Rossmoyne, has been a member of the school's teacher/student committee that focuses on sustainability. She raised funds for projects and invited eight nearby schools to Rossmoyne to find out about the program.
She has been part of efforts to apply for grants and has spoken to the local government to establish the initiative as a whole community project. Katrina also represented her school at the Australian Youth Climate Coalition summit last year.
Two of Katrina's teachers, without each other knowing, were so impressed with Katrina's active championing of environmental sustainability they independently nominated her for the same award.
Katrina received a certificate, trophy and camera, and won 24 cameras for her school.
Fact File
The Positive Image Award is co-ordinated by the Department of Local Government and Communities. It is sponsored by the Catholic Education Office and supported by Fujifilm Australia
More information can be found at: http://www.communities.wa.gov.au
Minister's office - 6552 6600
