Year 12 student Matthew Ralph has become the first of 611 Adelaide High School students registered for the Duke of Edinburgh award to achieve a Gold Award, which was presented by the Governor Kevin Scarce at a ceremony at Government House on December 14.
Matthew, one of 17 recipients who achieved the Gold Award, was the only public school student to receive the award which was the culmination of a year of volunteering and community service, skill development, physical activity and participation in an adventurous journey and a residential project.
Matthew began his Duke of Ed journey in 2009 when he earned his Bronze Award as part of the SAPOL class and completed his Silver Award during his Year 11 studies last year.
The Duke of Edinburgh Award is an internationally recognised development program, for young people aged 14 to 25. It gives young people the opportunity to push their boundaries and step out of their comfort zone. It encourages them to expand personal horizons and explore potential talents and interests. It opens up opportunities for new friendships, skill development, increased job opportunities and give young people access to an international network of likeminded participants in over 120 different countries. The Award comprises three levels, each requiring different levels of commitment and effort, Bronze, Silver and Gold.
All students at Adelaide High School receive information about the Duke of Edinburgh Award through their Personal Learning Plan and the Turn Your Health Around program, with many of them subsequently registering for the Award. As a result of the promotion of this prestigious award and the personal growth and benefits of achieving it, there are a number of students who have already completed their Bronze and Silver Awards and are now working towards their Gold Award.