Primary school principal named 2003 WA Young Person of the Year

11/4/03
A 24-year-old primary school principal from Marvel Loch was last night named 2003 WA Young Person of the Year.
David Faulkner received the award from Premier Geoff Gallop at the WA Youth Awards Showcase at the Burswood Ballroom.

Dr Gallop said David was a fantastic role model for young Western Australians.
As a school teacher, David taught at schools in Geraldton and Yandeyarra, a remote Pilbara Aboriginal community, before being appointed to the position of principal at Marvel Loch Primary School just two-and-a-half years after graduating as a teacher.
However, his commitment to the community goes beyond teaching.
David has helped indigenous youth from the bush fulfil their dream of visiting the coast by assisting them to raise the funds for a holiday to Coral Bay.
He also worked with young people who saw no value in attending school and inspired them to educate themselves.

Dr Gallop said David demonstrated excellent leadership skills and had dedicated his time to helping the young people of Marvel Loch.
"David's energy and ability to engage others has enabled him to implement change where it is needed and lead young students in the community to achieve their goals," he said.
"He is proof that with perseverance and dedication young Western Australians can do great things."
The Premier said the nominees for this year's WA Youth Awards were outstanding.
He also commended the awards for the important role they played in acknowledging young people such as David for their positive and inspirational achievements.
"All finalists embody a sense of what can be achieved in life and all are making a positive contribution to society in many different ways," he said.
The WA Youth Awards program recognises the efforts of young achievers, aged between 13 and 25 years, in the categories of environment, leadership, inspiration, citizenship (individual), citizenship (group), and active achievement.
The WA Youth Awards Showcase presentation event brings together three streams of awards - the WA Youth Awards, the Youth Minister's Positive Image Award for secondary school students and the WA Youth Media Awards.
A list of the winners follows: