BEDE Polding College student Mackenzie Woodbury has won the 2018 Natalie Burton Memorial Award, which consists of a commemorative plaque, certificate and $200 prize money.
The award is intended for a recipient who has faced challenging circumstances but, through their application and determination, has overcome this adversity to succeed.
The Award is administered by Hawkesbury City Council on behalf of the Burton, Turner and Lawrance families, in memory of Natalie Burton, who died from cancer in 2003 at the age of 32.
Belinda Pickert, Acting Assistant Case Management and Diversity Coordinator at Bede Polding College, submitted the nomination for Mackenzie, who is in Year 10.
“Mackenzie has Hypertonic Diaplegic Cerebral Palsy but, despite this, she always tries to involve herself in as many different extracurricular activities as possible,” Ms Pickert said.
“With her friendly and outgoing personality, Mackenzie has become part of a great group of friends who are a very special part of her life. She participates in swimming carnivals, athletic carnivals, and the Bede Polding College walkathons.
“Mackenzie always looks forward to excursions and camps and she has chosen Physical Activities and Sports Science as her electives.”
Mackenzie plans to complete her work placement with the Cerebral Palsy Alliance, and with their assistance she has enrolled in the Duke of Edinburgh program.
Hawkesbury Mayor Barry Calvert congratulated Mackenzie for her determination.
