A ZONTA scholarship is set to help community-minded Wellington Point student Mikayla Richards achieve her dreams of working in health care.
Mikayla was awarded the Zonta International Young Women in Public Affairs Award at the Wynnum Redlands branch's International Women's Day dinner last week.
The award recognises high school students who have volunteering and leadership roles in the school and the broader community.
In her day-to-day life, Mikayla is busy helping out fellow youth in and out of school as a member of the Army Cadets, youth group and the Wellington Point State High School leadership team.
"In cadets I am on the recruitment team and assist with training new recruits (and) I also represent my unit at events," she said.
"I am a youth leader at my youth group and assist students from Prep to Year 6.
"At (school) I am Warunggul Captain (Indigenous captain), a member of the student council ... the fundraising committee and volunteer in the canteen."
The award included a $1000 scholarship, which Mikayla said would help her further her education.
"I was very excited and honoured to receive the award," she said.
"As a young Indigenous woman it makes me extremely proud."
The Year 12 student plans to become a nurse or paramedic after graduation, and is working towards a Certificate III in Health Services Assistance.
She said it was important for people to be involved in their communities and try to change the lives of others for the better.
"Small acts of kindness can change lives."
