Academy awards honours

The hard work and achievements of more than 150 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander girls has been celebrated at the Karratha Girls Academy awards night.

The evening, held at Karratha Leisureplex last month, was opened by speaker and founder of Role Models and Leaders Australia, Ricky Grace.

Mr Grace spoke to the attendees about how the program was started to address the lack of support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander girls and its launch in Karratha two years ago.

A number of awards were presented on the night, including Shining Star Awards to 50 students who had an attendance rate of 90 per cent or higher.

The highly coveted Ricky Grace “Be the Change” Award was presented to Year 12 student Margo Bond.

Other awards included the junior and senior Most Improved,

Karratha Girls Academy’s program manager Jodi Bampton said the night was attended by more than 280 people.

“It was an absolutely amazing turnout from community members, families and staff,” she said.

“Seeing over 280 people turn up to support the girls shows the impact the program is having with the wider community.”