Two Radford College students were recognised for their services to the community at the Order of Australia Association's ACT branch awards ceremony last Thursday.

Year 5 student Ashton Osborne was awarded the Order of Australia Association Medallion and Plaque Award for outstanding community service and initiative for his work on the 'Rise High for the Homeless' project. Ashton's innate sense of justice and equity sparked his interest in addressing homelessness. He got involved with the Early Morning Centre and started raising money to fund food packs for the homeless in Canberra. Click here to read a Bulletin article on this remarkable project.

Ashton's fundraising efforts included sharing presentations with family and friends, applying for grants, and running a fundraising game at last year's Fete. He has been interviewed on both television and radio, and in the process created more awareness for the work of the Early Morning Centre and boosted his fundraising efforts. He reached his goal of raising enough money for 500 food packs well ahead of schedule.

Ashton's efforts have not only provided immediate relief to those in need but have also inspired others to join his mission of compassion and service.

At the same ceremony Year 11 student Ananth Ravi received the ACT Branch Highly Commended Student Award for enthusiastic and diverse leadership and involvement in his community. Over the years, Ananth has committed to many and diverse activities within the College and the wide community. He enjoys teaching and guiding junior groups in sport, such as Taekwondo. He is also a highly accomplished powerlifter and have inspired others to take up the sport. He is a member of the 'Developing Adolescent Resilience and Enterprise' program, which fosters teamwork, leadership and role modelling. He is also currently supporting the Australian Multicultural Action Group in planning youth week activities.

Ananth is a valued member of the Radford College community. He regularly offers his assistance to younger students with homework, helps with library maintenance, and is a member of the College's 'Green Team' which is responsible for gardens and playground upkeep.

He volunteered his time and efforts across many activities and events in the ACT, including Floriade, the National Multicultural Festival, the Leukaemia Society, the Cancer Council, Enlighten and Royal Canberra Show, to name but a few.

Congratulations Ashton and Ananth!