Going for Gold

On 18 to 21 November Thomas Kaehne (12.9) and Rosemary Kaehne (12.10) together with Parker Vanderhorst (12.8) and Bella Vanderhorst (12.9) created and conquered their own adventurous journey as part of the Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award. 

The decision to both walk and use a wheelchair to travel 40kms along the Warburton to Lilydale Rail Trail was inspired by the 2021 Paralympics. They were stretched in many ways, enjoyed camping and cooking over campfires, had many great conversations with each other and many met along the way, and managed to keep the wheelchairs on the track most of the time!

Both the Duke of Edinburgh Award Program and Paralympians share similar character traits, including resilience, strength, determination, and teamwork.

They also completed this journey as a fundraiser and all money raised will be donated to the Southern Cross Kids’ Camps, which offers experiences for children with challenging backgrounds and life circumstances. Over $2,000 was raised throughout the journey, which will enable at least four children to attend this camp free of charge and/or go towards other SCKC expenses. 

The four students had the amazing opportunity to be able to volunteer at a recent SCKC camp and have seen firsthand the amazing work that this organisation does to make these kids feel so special.

Congrats TEAM!

Gavin Fox

Senior School Teacher