Mayoral youth award winner Kerry leads the way

Kerry Wang, 17, gets mayoral youth award for her contributions in community service, volunteering and leadership. Photo by Damjan Janevski.

This year 12 student has a passion for helping others and a drive to do more.

Thomas Carr College’s Kerry Wang was recognised for her contribution to the community, volunteering and leadership earlier this month when she received a Wyndham council mayoral youth award.

The 17-year-old has volunteered in leadership positions within Thomas Carr College including as social justice captain, the student representative council, college ambassador, president of the Thomas Carr College Vinnies conference and liturgy captain.

Last year, she acted as an interpreter during sister school summer camps and she tutors primary school pupils, especially those from refugee backgrounds.

Learning the ropes in a new country is something Kerry can relate to, after she came to Australia from China in 2010.

To top it off, Kerry also volunteers at Tarneit library and is studying Italian at Melbourne University on an extension program.

She hopes to study a bachelor of arts next year, with a view of returning to Thomas Carr as a teacher one day.

Kerry said had been shocked to learn about the mayoral youth award, and believes there should also be an award for parents.

“I feel that I couldn’t achieve all this, and participate without the support of my parents, especially my mum.”