Australia Day awards recognise those with incredible community mindedness, and this year's two nominees for Griffith's Young Citizen have that spirit in spades.
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High-achiever and passionate community leader Andria Zanotto was "ecstatic" when she heard the news of her nomination.
"I am really happy to be nominated," Miss Zanotto said.
"My mum tried to keep it a secret, but she told me and even just to be nominated, I was just ecstatic."
Cadet Corporal Imreet Singh had no idea he was nominated, and opening the letter was "quite proud and shocked."
"When I got the letter I had no idea what it was," Imreet said.
"It's great knowing you had a meaningful impact on someone's life, and I hope this will be a platform for me to help more people in the future."
Having worked in many projects aiming at recognising and helping those within the Griffith community, she hopes one day to come back as a highly-skilled civil engineer.
"Griffith is always growing... and people need engineers."
Miss Zanotto has volunteered to community groups and events including ANZAC Legacy and the ANZAC Day March. She is also a member of the NSW Junior Aboriginal Education Consultative Group.
Just last year, Miss Zanotto awarded the Minister's Award for Excellence in Student Achievement.
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She has been the captain of the NSW Country Girls Soccer team at Australia's National Youth Championships, captain of the Griffith High STEM team, winner of the Australian IIATE Aeronautical Velocity Challenge, and organiser of the Hay For Hope drought relief fundraiser.
Going into Year 11 this year, Imreet has proved his strong leadership and community mindedness through his position in the Cadets as well as being highly involved in the Marian Catholic College Community Action Team.
Recently promoted to acting Cadet Sergeant, Imreet's responsibilities include directing his 340 squadron and mentoring the younger cadets, as well as being heavily involved in focusing his team's direction.
"For me it is about organisation and discipline, respecting others, and helping out in any way I can," Imreet explained.
Imreet was awarded the Flight Lieutenant (AAFC) Michael Borg Leadership award for 2019, and is a leader and mentor within the Squadron.
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As part of his school's action team, he has taken part in many initiatives to help local organisations, and derives a huge sense of satisfaction from helping out.
One example of this is teaming up with another friend to join the forces with the Cadets to raise thousands of litres of water to go to drought-stricken Louth.
"If I get this award under my belt, I wouldn't let it change me, but instead let it strengthen who I am and my core values," Imreet said.
"It is a huge honour just to be nominated."
Full list of Australia Day nominees
Citizen of the Year
- Cheryl Wood
- Angelo Maloni
- Margaret Moore
- Margaret King
Junior Citizen
- Johan Martinello
Environmental Citizen of the Year
- Hampers of Hope
Community Project of the Year
- Hampers of Hope
- Griffith Historic Motor Club Inc and MIA Veteran Vintage and Classic Car Club Inc
Club Person of the Year
- Richard (Dick) Hore
- Leigh-Anne Johnson
- Lorraine Maxwell
- Gail Roslyn Colling
- Anthony Salmon
Sportsperson of the Year
- Jennifer Massey
- Abby Josephine Favell
- Eliza Baddock
Young Sportsperson of the Year
- Abby Josephine Favell
- Jess Conlan
- Timeeka Coleman
- Wyatt Carter
- Kai Suine
Sports Team of the Year
- Griffith East Public School - Australian Rules Team
- Murrumbidgee Regional High School Under 16 Rugby Union Team
- Griffith North Boys Basketball
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