As we continue to celebrate our many volunteers within our Grammar community, it is with great pride and gratitude that we recognise Year 12 student, Lauren Startari, for being awarded Buderim Young Volunteer of the Year 2022.
Lauren was presented with the award yesterday by Brent Mickelberg MP, Member for Buderim.
Lauren has a long history of reaching out to others both within the Grammar school community and beyond and has inspired many to serve.
“I believe it is important to be a volunteer as you are giving up your time to make other people happy. Volunteering has made me a better person”, said Lauren.
Lauren is heavily involved with many initiatives including, being an active surf lifesaver at Mooloolaba SLCS, ambassador for Amnesty International as well as an active member of Grammar Helping Hands and Grammar Green Team.
One of the main lessons Lauren has learnt through her time volunteering is that small changes have a big impact. It is with this mentality and her compassion that Lauren has created an intergenerational project to connect Grammar students to our local aged care community.
“Not only does it bring people together, but it also promotes personal growth, and self-esteem and provides you with a sense of purpose”, said Lauren.
The inaugural program will run for six weeks and will see Lauren and a team of Year 10 students connect with elderly residents to learn new skills, including using technology, knitting and crochet.
At the end of the program, the aged care residents will travel to Grammar to visit our Prep students and engage in a number of student lead activities. Lauren and her group will also create a memory book for residents that will include pictures, photos and quotes from their time together.
“Everyone has a story and you can always make a positive impact in someone’s life. Most people are grateful for what you have done and that to me is everything”, said Lauren.
At Grammar, we encourage our students to look outwards to others and serve our community with passion and purpose. Through giving their time and energy, students throughout the school develop a strong sense of community engagement and build empathy for those less fortunate.
Lauren has made a wonderful contribution to Grammar and the local community and we are extremely proud to recognise her achievements today.