It is no secret that CEF’s impact is attributed to the dedication and efforts of our local foundations. To recognise and celebrate the tireless work of our dedicated volunteers, in 2016 we introduced the Katie Walker Outstanding Service Award.
Katie Walker is a founding director of CEF and has volunteered many, many hours to get CEF where it is today. While the award is traditionally peer-nominated, this year, we also received nominations from those who benefit the most, our recipients. We know the nominated volunteers are all worthy, however, one stood out. With multiple nominations and demonstrated outstanding service through a very tough period we have a new recipient for 2021.
2021 Katie Walker Outstanding Service Award Winner
Margaret Carey
Country Education Foundation of Grenfell
DRIVING FORCE
Margaret was instrumental in the establishment of CEF Grenfell. In 2014 when Margaret was Principal at The Henry Lawson High School, the realisation of a local CEF took shape.
Since its inception in 2017 Margaret has served as Secretary of CEF Grenfell. Over the past four years 98 grants have been awarded and over $113,000 distributed to students within the Weddin Shire.
Margaret “seasonally” publishes the newsletter that informs the wider community of the achievements and challenges faced by past and present recipients.
“Margaret demonstrates the fundamentals of CEF through her passion and commitment to her students as individuals and to the community as a whole.”
Katie Walker
CEF Founding Director
Investing in our young people is the best investment in our future. They are inspirational and who motivate me to keep on going.
Margaret Carey, CEF Grenfell
ACTIONS FOR STUDENTS
Margaret is passionate and has the drive to motivate and support her local youth. It is with grace and candour Margaret deals with recipient adversity where COVID restrictions and financial hardship have placed ongoing pressure on families.
Regardless of her geographical location Margaret follows the paths of all recipients. She is highly skilled at matching their educational needs with additional opportunity.
Student wellbeing is at the heart of her every action. Thanks to the mentor program inspired by Margaret, Grenfell recipients are supported and mentored by individual committee members.
FOR THE FUNDS OF IT
During this COVID dominated period, Margaret has inspired the committee to think laterally around fundraising.
Initiatives like securing 25% of gate takings at the rugby in exchange for CEF members managing the gate during the season. Similarly using this activity to further educate the community about their work and great local students.
The committee has devised a sponsor donor program to enable volunteers to approach organisations, former residents, and businesses to contribute to CEF, supplementing traditional fundraising activities.
THANK YOU
Our volunteers are vital to our organisation and we are grateful for everything they do for their community. This is our opportunity to showcase the support and impact an individual has thanks to the compelling nominations by fellow committee members and local students. Congratulations Margaret!
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