Teen given award for school and community services

Adam Doughty, who attends Alexandra Hills State High School, was one of 12 students across the state to receive the Secondary Schools Citizenship Award.

The special accolade was bestowed to Adam and other recipients at a ceremony held in Parliament House last Friday, September 15.

Adam said he was delighted to receive the award’s commemorative plaque and certificate of merit, presented by the Supreme Court of Queensland’s chief justice Catherine Holmes.

“It was definitely something to remember,” he said. “It was quite formal but also relaxed.”

The year 12 pupil was nominated by Alexandra Hills State High School staff for his outstanding contributions the school and wider community.

Deputy principal Linda Kempe said Adam’s leadership, ongoing involvement in extra-curricular activities including music tutoring and giving spirit made him outstanding candidate for the award.

“We really value the contribution he has made to school life over his five years with us and, in particular, in his final year at school,” she said.

“I was delighted to be notified that Adam was to receive the award.”

When asked how he contributed, Adam said his roles as Leo Club president last year and school captain this year had enabled him to organise fundraising activities for different charities.

He said sales of hot chocolates to students before class and barbecued foods to school visitors helped raised up to $1800 for different causes, including neuroscience research and child safety programs.

Other fundraising efforts included a whole-of-school trivia game, along with World’s Greatest Shave and Daffodil Day activities.

While Adam hopes to study civil engineering and business management next year at university, he said he hoped to continue his fundraising efforts if time permitted.

 “I just like to give back to the community which has given me so much,” he said.

“As a young person I don’t have a lot of money, but what I do have is time. It doesn’t take much to help.”

The Birkdale teen, who also assists younger students with their English studies once a week, said meeting the award’s other young recipients was inspirational.

“It was great to listen to their stories,” he said.

“The next generation is copping a lot of flack, so it was good to see the positives.”

Adam’s father Shane Doughty, who attended the Order of Australia Association’s awards ceremony last week with his wife Leisa and daughter Emma, said he was proud of his son.

“It is great to see he received recognition for all that hard work,” Mr Doughty said.