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Katie Morrison Kaitaia College |
Extract from Doubtless Bay Times Wednesday, 2 December 2009 ISSN1172-9880
(www.pennypincher.co.nz)
DUKE OF EDINBURGH AWARD FOR LOCAL GIRL
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Sailing around Doubtless Bay, hiking Kapowairua (Spirits Bay) to Te Paki, Peria Valley to Herekino and in the Kaimanawa Range was all part of the challenges Katie Morrison planned and completed while achieved her Gold Level Duke of Edinburgh Award. Where this made up the Adventurous Journey part of her Award; Katie also participated in physical activity, skill development and community service. She clocked up over 360 hours in total in her chosen fields of school sports and soccer, cooking skills development, and community fundraising over an 18 month period. |
Katie was also a participant in the South Africa School Tour and attended the Spirit of NZ 5 day programme.
A well-presented clear file holds the records of her experiences and highlights a strong level of self-discipline and determination. Now in the closing pages of this file Katie is able to add photos of her Award Presentation Ceremony held in Wellington earlier this month, where the presentation was made by His Royal Highness Prince Edward. Prime Minister John Key and Right Honourable Paula Bennett, Minister of Youth Affairs were also in attendance. Katie was one of the 120 recipients at the official function where she had the opportunity to speak with all three of the dignitaries.
In her own words Katie expresses -
"Not only did I expand my horizons, but I met incredible people and made life-long friendships along the way. I have come to believe that it doesn't matter where you come from, it's what you do with what you have that makes you succeed in life. You are the challenges you have faced, experiences you have gained and people you have met."
The last recorded recipients of high achieving Awards at the Doubtless Bay Scout and Guide Group was in 1998 when Queen Scout Award presentations were made to Sharon Molloy and Marissa Anderson. The Group is looking forward to more achievement success at this level next year when Katie is presented with her Queen Scout Award along with Ross Kitchen who is in the final stages of completing both these Awards also and possibly Chief Scout Awards that are currently underway by two Explorer Scouts.
Gold Duke of Edinburgh and Queen Scout Awards.
This was an amazing experience which I am truly grateful for, and I would like to acknowledge the following people: Past Scout Zone Leaders Mark Rowlands and Alan Wheatley, Scout Leaders Greg Beeson and Andrea Beckham and Parents and Members of Doubtless Bay Scout Group.
To my Venturer Leader Sandra Kitchen her direction, support and guidance. Fellow Venturers and trampers Ross Kitchen, Daniel Webster, Renae Beckham, Jessica Scotney, Jack Blunden, Kimberley Coulter and Jethro Robbins for being with me each step of the way.
Special thanks to Mike and Lynn Pooley, Murray Young, Janette Beeason, Stephen Scotney, Michael Withiel, Dave King, Ian and Anne Walker, Les and Colleen Olsen, Kaingaroa Lions and Spirit of Adventure Trust who all gave me opportunities to help fulfil other requirements.
And last but not least, my family, George, Peggy and Karl Morrison for their immense support and hours of dedication.
This Award is not for me, but for all of us to share as it wouldn't have been possible without the generous help and support of you all.
Katie Morrison