A Hoppers Crossing teen has received the Salvation Army’s top honour for her work in the community.
Zara Gibson has successfully completed the criteria to receive the Salvation Army Guarding and Legion Activities (SAGALA) General’s Guard Award.
“I was a guard at SAGALA for four years, from 2012 to this year,” she said.
“During my time, I completed many badges in the lead-up to earning the award.
“I had to earn all five Southern Cross stars, as well as completing leadership work.”
Among the many badges she has collected over the four years were those awarded for IT skills, budgeting and leading SAGALA nights.
The 16-year-old, who is heading into year 11 at Thomas Carr College next year, said she was very proud to have received the award.
In her time with the Salvation Army, a highlight has been taking 40 kilograms of stationery, tennis balls, socks and shoes to school students in South Africa.
“It feels so good to make a difference to their lives,” she said.
“It’s incredible to see how much of a difference something as simple as a tennis ball can make.”
Zara is a third generation Salvo, proudly following in the footsteps of her mother and grandmother before her.
