GLOSSOP High School’s Cameron Dixon will represent the state next month at the 2021 Lions Youth of the Year Awards.
The year 12 student will attend the event in Canberra from May 7 to May 10, after successfully making it past three levels of judging, which took place over the period of three months.
Cameron said he looks forward to representing the Riverland and the state at the nationals.
“I decided to participate in the event to improve my citizenship and leadership skills before I enter the workforce after school and so far, it’s been great,” he said.
“The competition started off at a regional level, participating under the Berri Lions Club.
“After that, the next level is district but I was a bit lucky that no one else in the region from other Lions clubs took part so I automatically went straight through to the state finals.
“When I made it to state finals I was a bit nervous, but I managed to make it through to nationals and I’m really happy.”
Cameron said he was “excited” to travel interstate.
“I’ve only been to Canberra once before for school, but now my mum, dad, and brother will come along too and we’ll make a trip out of it,” he said.
“Sunday will be the interview process and Monday will be the public day, so we will do some sightseeing on the Saturday as a family.
“I’m looking forward to meeting new people from around the country, hearing their ideas, creating new networking skills and great friendships.
“I also heard that all the participants will visit the winner’s home town early next year so that’ll be pretty cool to either travel again or have people come to the Riverland.”
Cameron said he was grateful for the support he had received from the Berri Lions Club and Glossop High School.
“The Lions Club have been fantastic but I also couldn’t have done this without my teacher Ms Lindner,” he said.
“Ms Lindner was the one who told me about the competition, encouraged me to apply and seek a high level of leadership in the community.”