A Redfern student has been awarded a $500 scholarship for helping children in the community.
Eathan Philips, 16, was this year’s recipient of the Betty Makin Youth Awards and attends Alexandria Park Community School.
Eathan was nominated by his school teacher Patricia Betar, for using his passion for Indigenous traditions and teaching performing arts, as a way to inspire other students and share his culture.
Ms Betar said: “Eathan has been an excellent mentor for students.
They do look up to him a lot.
“Eathan’s shown a commitment to supporting and promoting the use of quality Aboriginal resources which raise the profile of Aboriginal knowledge, culture and heritage.”
He’s even clocked up over 50 volunteer hours under the Premier’s Volunteer Award scheme, she said.
Eathan wasn’t aware that he was nominated for the award.
“It felt really good,” he said.
His leadership qualities have been inspired by his mentor and uncle, Mr Shane Philips, who is CEO of the Tribal Warrior Association, an organisation where Eathan plays an active role.
“We teach Aboriginal dancing and help out with the cruise boat with kids from different communities,” Eathan said.
Ms Betar said his uncle Shane has been a big influence.
“Eathan has taken on a lot of that cultural awareness.”
In addition to helping others, Eathan displays an enthusiasm towards advancing his career prospects after his Higher School Certificate.
A schools based traineeship with the Department of the Attorney General in business services, will see Eathan in the courts this week to assist recording.
“He’s going to get a really good view of all the jobs and responsibilities in law and order,” Ms Betar said.
Ambitious about the opportunities open to him in the future, Eathan cites the Royal Australian Air Force as just one possible career option.
“I’d like to be a pilot probably, if I get good enough grades,” he said. When asked about his top tip for other kids, Eathan said: “Stick out school.
By Lynn Chinnock
