Oliver Lees
Dedicated SES Sunbury volunteer Jesse Sciortino has become the first member in the unit’s history to receive an accolade from The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Awards.
Earlier this month the 17-year-old received the Bronze Award within the international prize structure.
In pursuit of the honour participant’s must prove their worth in four area: learning a skill, improvement of physical wellbeing, volunteering in the community, and experiencing a team adventure.
For Mr Sciortino, who was already an SES Sunbury junior member (volunteering), learning guitar (skill) and running regularly (physical wellbeing), working toward the Bronze Award was a matter of challenge and commitment.
“It feels great because it’s a very long winded process, with lots of hours and continued activity,” he said.
“You have to set a goal for yourself. I think I’ve found once you’ve set that goal you can find more direction which is really helpful.”
For the adventure component, Mr Sciortino went on two separate trips to the Strathbogie Ranges.
SES Sunbury media & public relations leader Jarrod Bell said Mr Sciortino had become an asset down at the station since joining as a 15-year-old.
“It’s been really rewarding to see that real growth and personal development he’s undergone, he’ faced challenges and has had to figure out how to overcome them,” Mr Bell said.
“Having received the award, I know he’s more resilient and more able to solve problems he comes face to face with.”
Now on the cusp of his 18th birthday, Mr Sciortino has started the transition to becoming an adult member of SES Sunbury, where he intends to continue to serve his community.
