By Alesha Capone
Tarneit student Shane Nicole Coloma Villegas has been recognised for her commitment to helping the community.
Shane, who is in Year 12 at Thomas Carr College, is one of seven Australian students to have received a 2021 Future Justice Award from the Catholic Education Commission of Victoria’s not-for-profit initiative Future Leaders.
The award recognises students who show leadership and help to create a better world for future generations.
Shane, who started volunteering in Year 7, helped found the Thomas Carr College Young Vinnies group, of which she is now co-president.
Students in the group run activities year-round at school in support of several good causes including the Vinnies Winter-Out Appeal, Christmas Hamper Appeal and soup van.
“My team is filled with people who have the drive and passion to put themselves out there and challenge the evolving society,” Shane said.
“Without the people that I have met over the past years, especially this year, I don’t think I would be achieving to the best of my ability and doing what I love.”
Shane said she started volunteering at the St Vincent de Paul Society opportunity shop in Hoppers Crossing this year, thanks to an inspiring friend, Riley Ty.
“I think seeing my relatives giving to the less fortunate when growing up in the Philippines really inspired me,” Shane said.
“Not only that, but I also occasionally enjoy putting myself in a different environment where I am somewhat out of my comfort zone, as I often find my drive to help as much as possible.
“I know that I can’t touch everyone’s hearts within a day, especially in this time of need, but when I do, the feeling is indescribable.”
Shane said she hoped to become a nurse in the future, and also potentially an orthopaedics or cardiac surgeon.
