Student Achievement

Congratulations Ben Okely

Local Shepparton Student Wins Regional Junior Leadership Award

For immediate release, 15 February 2021

The English-Speaking Union Victoria Branch (ESU) congratulates Ben Okely of Shepparton as the winner of the ESU’s 2020 Junior Leadership Bursary.

This bursary provides financial support to deserving students in regional Victoria to further develop their leadership capabilities. ESU is pleased to be able to provide a $1,500 bursary to enable Ben to further advance his leadership skills and community involvement.

Ben Okely’s Achievements as a Young Leader

• Selected as College Captain for Greater Shepparton Secondary College in 2021

• Participated in the School of Student Leadership and the Nelson Mandela Youth Summit

• Member of the Greater Shepparton Secondary College School Council 

• Queen’s Scout Award with Goulburn River Venturer unit; and

• Volunteer with Kids on the Move program, Meals on Wheels and Goulburn Valley

Christian Fellowship

Ben’s Leadership Development Goals

Ben plans to use the bursary funds to learn new skills, with a particular focus on co-ordinating volunteer programs.

The Role of the English-Speaking Union Victoria Branch

The ESU has been active in Victoria in developing young leaders for over 100 years.

The ESU’s mission is to promote the heritage, culture, identity and fellowship of the English-speaking peoples. As a registered Australian charity, the ESU undertakes and supports educational and cultural projects that align with this mission.

Quotes attributable to ESU Branch President, Robert Furlan, a member of the award judging panel

“Ben’s leadership achievements in school and community roles are particularly impressive.”

“His leadership development goals are ambitious and achievable. We are enthusiastic about Ben’s promise as a future community leader.”

Further information

Details of the ESU Awards Program can be found at esuvic.org.au/content/awards.For further information, please contact Robert Furlan, ESU President, on 0419 559 608 or by email via awards@esuvic.org.au