Forest Lake resident and Corinda State High School student Sinead Van der Sluys was awarded the Order of Australia Queensland Brand Association community service award and Ampol Best All Rounder Award at her high school graduation.
The Order of Australia Queensland Brand Association community service award recognises Queensland Secondary School students for their community service, fostering of Australian citizenship values and awareness of the Australian Honours system.
The Ampol Best All Rounder Award recognises qualities of leadership, service and community, sport, arts and culture, attitude and personal conduct.
Sinead’s mum Kerri said she was extremely proud of her daughter’s achievements at such a young age.
“I couldn’t be any prouder of her, she is really amazing,” she said.
“She is hard working, dedicated and just loves helping people in all aspects of her life.”
Sinead was not expecting the award on the night and was shocked when her name was announced.
“When I heard my name, I felt pretty overwhelmed to be honest,” she said.
“On reflection, I’m extremely humbled by the recognition for the work I love doing.”
Sinead believes her leadership qualities are inspired by her mum, and the support from her teachers at Corinda SHS has allowed her to grow throughout her high school years.
“Mum just instilled a strong belief in me that I can accomplish anything I set my mind to,” she said.
“My school principal Mrs. Jamieson fostered an environment where I was able to develop my leadership skills through the Student Leadership programs.”
Sinead is about to begin studying a double degree in nursing and paramedicine at the University of Southern Queensland, where she hopes to further apply her leadership skills
“We attended a university open day and Sinead was already looking to sign up into the leadership programs at USQ,” Kerri said.
