George Upton Awards
Congratulations to our 2019
George Upton Award Recipients
Tarron Maxey - Year 7
Although this is Tarron’s first year at Greensborough College he has been a role model within the classroom where he always endeavors to do his best and complete his work to the best of his ability. He has shown leadership skills through his natural instinct of putting others before himself, encouraging others to get involved in activities at lunchtimes and willingly seeks to find out if he can help others when they are distressed or upset.
In addition to this he regularly volunteers to help out across all areas of the College with a variety of tasks without being asked. He demonstrates kindness and compassion to all members of the College community. Tarrons mother, Kimberley Maxey (nee Vonthethoff), a former student at Greensborough College won the Rotarian of the Year and the George Upton Award in the early 1990's.
Tarron is a well-deserved recipient of this award.
Alex Mitchell - Year 8
Alex stepped into the role of Interact President at the start of 2019. She shadowed Rotarian leaders as a junior Rotarian of the Month, earlier in the year and took on board leadership skills, finishing with a combined speech at the final Rotarian meeting at the RSL. Her enthusiasm and efficiency at our fortnightly meetings enabled Interactors to learn about different projects in the community such as Food Share. Alex participated at Donations in Kind throughout the year, helping to sort, fold and pack donated clothes, make up teachers’ stationary packs and experience for herself the vast array of donated goods, which would eventually be donated to people in need, overseas.Alex organised the chocolate drive and out of school uniform day this term and is actively organising a team to participate in the 2020 Relay for Life.
Alex’s can-do attitude and enthusiasm has enabled her to bring people together, to help others in need. In the true spirit of Rotary, she has ensured students have enjoyed their community and volunteer contributions whilst benefitting people in need, both locally and internationally.
Well done on your leadership progression in helping the community.
Ella Teagle - Year 9
Ella continues to be an active member of the College community in 2019.
She has been an integral part of the College's Interschool Sport program, coaching various sporting teams, including training before the games and on game day.
Ella has also demonstrated a willingness to go above and beyond to promote the College within the wider community visiting local Primary Schools, helping as a tour guide for our Explore Evening, she raises and lowers the College flags at the beginning and end of the week and represented the College at the smoking ceremony during reconciliation week.
Ella volunteered to attend the Year 7 camp to help facilitate activities across the three days and her ability to influence those around her in a positive way has made her one of the best leaders at the College and someone who our younger students look up to.
Congratulations, you are an asset to Greensborough College
Sam Borg - Year 10
Sam is once again a worthy winner of the George Upton Award for his continuous contributions to the college and its community. Sam has always had a passion for the sound and technology industry. It is because of this that he has worked as a member of the tech crew for many years, providing audio and lighting to school events.
This year, Sam’s commitment to the college went ‘above and beyond’ volunteering many hours during school time to ensure events such as whole-school assemblies and year-level events ran correctly. However, it was the time he spent outside of school hours preparing and coordinating community events that really stood out. Sam could always be found around after hours helping prepare for events such as the EXPLORE Evening, School concerts. What was even more impressive was the leadership Sam demonstrated by leading the crew and mentoring other students around the ins and outs of the equipment. As a result, the tech crew really was a high performing team throughout the year. Sam’s expertise in lighting and sound was utilised by the Principal. Sam volunteered to audit the equipment, source and organise quotes and assist with the installation of a new lighting grid. He then provided advice on a new sound system and how the College can best utilise the equipment and spaces. The Principal is very grateful for Sam’s consultancy on these matters!
Sam also volunteered his time on weekends getting down and dirty as a regular attendee at the college working bees, helping to improve the physical environment of the school grounds and once again demonstrating his commitment to helping the college in so many ways.
Congratulations Sam, and thank you for your contributions.
Elyssa Rees - Year 11
Elyssa has successfully managed her time well to cope with the demands of Year 11 VCE and contribute to the college community in many ways. Through her leadership position as Plenty House Captain, Elyssa regularly collaborated with other student leaders to coordinate whole school events such as the Swimming and Athletics Carnival’s, motivating other students to participate and building school pride amongst her peers. Impressively, she delivered an on-the-spot speech to the Year 7 students during the House induction day inspiring the next generation of Plenty Panthers to strive for excellence with their own contributions to the program.
Elyssa also contributed to the college sports program by coaching both the Junior Girls Football and Volleyball teams, demonstrating outstanding leadership skills and role modelling great sportsmanship and communication. She also represented the college as an athlete in the senior football, volleyball and basketball teams.
Elyssa’s efforts this year have seen her rewarded with the position of Female College Captain for 2020. Well done on a successful year, Elyssa.
Hannah Fitzpatrick - Year 12
Hannah has contributed to the college community in many ways during her time at Greensborough College. This year, through her leadership role as SRC Vice-President, she has been instrumental in coordinating many school events that helped generate student connectedness as well as raise funds for different charities.
Hannah led the charge for the World’s Greatest Shave Team sacrificing her own locks to raise money for the Leukaemia Foundation. She raised a significant amount personally which helped the teams tally to reach over $4000 for the cause. Hannah also participated in RU OK? Day, raising important awareness for mental health, and coordinated the Footy Day Out of Uniform fundraiser to donate funds to the Cancer Council.
As part of the Student Leadership team, Hannah also facilitated meetings with the Junior College Leaders and participated in various student forums to give a voice to the student cohort in the school. She also collaborated to organise whole-school events such as Swimming and Athletic Carnival and running whole-school assemblies.
Hannah’s efforts in bringing the school community together and building school pride are to be commended.
Thank you Hannah and best of luck for the future.