Staughton Graduate Awarded

Young Citizen of the Year

Staughton Graduate Awarded

Young Citizen of the Year

Arriving as a young shy student in 2013, Sharie May Castillo turned to music as a way to make friends.  She has come a long way since then, having several singing accolades under her belt like winning the Staughton S-Factor and Melton’s Star Search, and performing for countless school events.  It was no surprise that she, along with friend Christine Papalii Seu, became co-Music Captains in their graduating year.

Even before becoming a school leader at Staughton College, Sharie participated and helped organise school events like Cultural Diversity Week, Music Week, R U OK Day, and the Cultural Family Picnic. She worked with enthusiasm in the VICSEG Multicultural Student Engagement and Scholarship Project. She also helped the CALD Haven lunch time activity grow stronger. She tutored junior students in subjects like English, Maths, and Music.

Her award from the Melton City Council came as a surprise for her, and in her usual humble self, had this to say last January 26 at the Australia Day celebrations:

“ To my fellow youth, please let no one despise you for your young age. I know we can do so much to build an even better community. You have good ideas, and I believe we are all gifted in our own unique ways, so use it. Use your voice.”

Sharie has accepted an offer from R.M.I.T. for a Bachelor in Legal and Dispute Studies, and hopes to become a lawyer someday.

Photo credit: Melton City Council