By Dongyun Kwon
HICCI’s annual Community Spirit Award was given to local primary school students once more after HICCI introduced the award last year.
In Healesville Primary School, Grade 6 student Amelia Hamer was announced as the winner of the award during the school assembly on Friday 29 November.
Before the beginning of the assembly, Amelia found her family at Howard Jones Hall.
She was happy seeing her family at school but a little bit surprised, ‘Why are they here?’.
HICCI committee member Alan Honeycombe presented the award to Amelia.
“We wanted to find a student who could be recognised as having the values at the heart of HICCI – care, respect, generosity of spirit and social justice,” he said.
“The student from Healesville Primary School, who is nominated for this award, has a kind, easygoing and caring nature, making her well-liked by all her peers at school.
“She has consistently demonstrated her dedication to her role as Chum House captain throughout the year by always upholding the school values of respect, community, learning and confidence … It gives us great pleasure to announce that the Healesville Primary School recipient of the HICCI Community Spirit Award for 2024 is Amelia Hamer.”
As soon as her name was called, the Grade 6 student stood up and walked to the front to receive the award.
Amelia said she hadn’t expected to win an award at the assembly.
“When [Alan] said ‘Chum House captain’, I almost started crying. I was very excited to get this award and I’m very proud of myself,” she said.
Amelia received a certificate and a $500 contribution toward moving on to high school.
“I will try my best in high school next year,” the award recipient said.
Not only being a house captain, Amelia has been actively involved in the school community by helping run the weekly breakfast club program as well as school assemblies by presenting awards and sharing school news.
She has also been passionate about participating in school-based community events such as the Anzac Day parade.
Grade 5/6 teacher Kelly Laidlaw said Amelia is a lovely student.
“Amelia is an outgoing, fun girl,” she said.
“She’s beautiful in the classroom and outside, always wanting to help other kids who need help.
“She also does a lot in the local community. She’s going through the volunteer stages for CFA.”
Amelia’s family have been great supporters of her in her role as a house captain and have also been often involved in helping out at school events.
