Member for Northern Tablelands Adam Marshall, left, pictured at this week’s Fred Hollows Humanity Award presentation ceremony with Fred Hollows Foundation founding director Gabi Hollows, Croppa Creek Public School Year 6 student Billy Horne, Billy’s mother Jaynie Horne and Croppa Creek Public School Principal Matt Jackman.
THREE Northern Tablelands Year 6 students have been recognised for their care and compassion for others, receiving inaugural Fred Hollows Humanity Awards at a presentation ceremony at Parliament House this week.
Member for Northern Tablelands Adam Marshall was at the ceremony, along with Premier Mike Baird and the Founding Director of the Fred Hollows Foundations, Gabi Hollows, Mr Hollows’ widow, where Billy Horne (Croppa Creek Public School) and Hudson-Lee Hoad and Janda Collins-Widders (Ben Venue Public School) were honoured for their selfless attitudes and deeds.
“I am very proud to see three of our local students recognised for their selfless efforts in their communities, helping and inspiring their peers and making a positive impact,” Mr Marshall said.
“Billy, Hudson-Lee and Jada are very impressive young people who have already demonstrated enormous maturity, a strong desire to help others and huge potential as leaders.”
Mr Marshall said the Humanity Awards were established by the Fred Hollows Foundation to encourage students to show care and compassion for others and make a positive impact in their school or community.
“The award hops to inspire and challenge Year 6 students to be generous, kind and caring throughout their lives. For young people to get out in the community and world and help others – which is exactly what Fred Hollows was all about.”
“Fred Hollows used to say that the greatest attribute of mankind was our ability to help one another – Billy, Hudson-Lee and Jada all reflect that in their own lives and thoroughly deserve this special recognition.”
Mr Marshall said that Billy Horne could often be found nurturing many of the younger students at Croppa Creek Public School.
“Billy leads fellow students in skipping or ball games and encourages them to help her look after the schools’ ducklings and chickens,” he said.
Likewise, Hudson-Lee Hoad is always helping other students and teachers at Ben Venue Public School in Armidale.
“Through any kind of trouble she is a mediator, trying hard to ensure everyone is happy and at peace with one another,” Mr Marshall said.
Jada Collins-Widders is a strong advocate for her foster siblings at Ben Venue, in the classroom and on the sporting field. She always ensures they receive fair and just treatment.
“Janda has spoken to the school community about the unique needs of children in out of home care and also gives up her own time after school to help with occupational therapy on her youngest foster sibling who has extreme delayed gross motor skills,” Mr Marshall said.
“Congratulations to Billy, Hudson-Lee and Jada on receiving this prestigious award. These are three young people who are already focused on the wellbeing of others and who, I’m certain, will make a huge contribution to society, just like Fred Hollows did.”