Throsby MP Stephen Jones congratulated all of the winners of the Active Citizen awards at a ceremony at the Dapto Ribbonwood Centre last night.

The awards are given to students who take an active role in their communities in order to improve them.

This years winners included:

• Caitlyn Stephens from Bowral High School.
• Emma Greenwood from Five Islands Secondary College.
• Holly Warples from Illawarra Christian School.
• Kasey Fraser from Illawarra Sports High School.
• Amy Crilly from Oak Flats High School.
• Shaima Haddra from Warrawong High School.
• Regina Jenkins from Moss Vale High School.
• Lachlan Boon from Lake Illawarra High School.
• Courtney Freeman from Tangara School.
• Gretel Turner from Dapto High School.
• Shaina-Lea Johnson from Kanahooka High School.
• Alyssa Norris from Corpus Christi Catholic High School.
• Benjamin Pattison from Albion Park High School.

In presenting the awards Stephen Jones said we can all draw inspiration from the values and energy of young people who want to give something back to their communities.

Being involved in public life and doing that little bit extra for the communities we live in can improve the lives of many people and make a real difference. It can also be a lot of fun and a great way to meet new people.