2008 Monthly VCE Achiever Winner
May: Thomas Keane
‘Everyone can make the community a better place if we all put in’, says Thomas Keane from Wycheproof P–12 College. With his positive approach Thomas has been making an enduring contribution to his community. Indeed, they have shown their appreciation this year by naming him both Wycheproof and Buloke Shire Young Citizen of the Year.
His most rewarding work as President of the Wycheproof Youth Activities Group was to organise a fundraising night for the Shire. This included organising bands, accommodation and security.
‘We had 500 people show up, which was a great turnout. Although we raised $5000 our main aim was to get the community together’. The money raised went to benefi t youth programs, such as sporting competitions and movie/games nights for younger kids. ‘It helped keep the kids occupied!’
Thomas’ involvement in community activities is wideranging; from organising events as part of the FreeZA committee to delivering Meals-on-Wheels to the aged and disabled. He has also provided crucial support as audio/visual technician at the Council Family Fun Day and to touring Melbourne Comedy Festival acts.
His dedication to his community comes from his willingness to participate and lead. ‘If you just stay at home, you are not involved and connected to the community. You lose a whole part of your life. I feel like I need to do things to give back to the community’.
Thomas is a keen sportsman and has represented his school and community in many sporting events. At school he is the Senior Football Captain and House Sports Captain and often competes in swimming, basketball and athletics competitions. He also captains the Under 16s Wycheproof–Narraport Football Club.
Aussie Rules football is a big part of Thomas’ life. Not only does he play it but he is an advocate of the game. This is the reason he took on the challenge of being the Wycheproof Auskick coordinator when he was in Year 10. Auskick is a program that encourages boys and girls to participate in physical activity through football. He was in charge of recruiting, planning and supervising the weekly meeting. ‘It is another thing I do to give back to the community and it is a good way to encourage kids to get active’.
Thomas’ leadership and participation at Wycheproof P–12 college goes beyond that of sport. He is also the Vice Captain of the school, a Student Council Representative and a member of the school magazine committee. As a leader in his school Thomas has helped organise fundraising events for the school and community as well as sporting competitions.
As an enthusiastic public speaker Thomas has participated in many speaking and debating competitions. ‘The good thing about our school is that all year levels are encouraged to perform publicly and give oral presentations. It is still nerve-wracking having to talk to a crowd on an impromptu topic, it’s a huge learning curve but it is good for self development.’
Despite having many commitments to his community and school, Thomas remains conscious of the importance of his final year of VCE. He has developed strategies to stay on top of things. ‘I used Year 11 to develop my organisational skills. I now keep my calendar organised and always look ahead at what I need to do’. Lately, Thomas has been considering his options for next year and thinks he would like to study Architecture, Construction or Property Development at RMIT or Melbourne University.
