Wright earns Excellence award

AFL NSW/ACT would like to congratulate Dean Wright, who recently received a 2012 NSW Education Minister’s Award for Excellence.

The award recognises the outstanding achievements of students throughout their school years in representing the core values of integrity, excellence, respect, responsibility, cooperation, care, fairness and democracy.

AFL NSW/ACT Indigenous Academy Program Manager Luke Penrith has been working with Dean since 2007 when he first entered the Indigenous Academy.

“Dean is an amazing all rounder, he is a very talented young man,” Penrith said.

“He is well respected, listens, voices ideas and is courteous to others.”

Penrith said that he could definitely see Dean becoming a future indigenous leader within the community.

“Dean has really made the most out of nothing, his smart, gifted and leads by example,” Penrith said.

“He is an extremely determined young man.”

Hon Adrian Piccoli MP presented the award to Dean and said at the ceremony that the recipients of this award are exceptional role models.

“These terrific young people are an inspiration to their peers and a credit to their parents, their schools, their teachers and their community, all of whom provided them with guidance, encouragement and support,” Piccoli said.

“Many of this year’s recipients are student leaders and community volunteers; they take time to help others in need, while also remaining committed to their education and personal goals.”

Dean was one 34 receipts of the award from public schools across New South Wales.

This is on the back of recently receiving the 2012 Plumpton High School Best All Rounder Caltex Medallion.

Dean’s citation for the Caltex Medallion is nothing short of outstanding, praising him as someone who displays complete integrity, honesty and empathy.

“He is an outstanding role model for today’s youth, always striving for excellence as an individual, leader or as a key member of a team in all contexts.”

“His passion to embrace and learn about his Indigenous heritage has been infectious and this has had a notable influence on many others, particularly in the AFL Indigenous Academy.”

Dean has the chance to add another accolade to the shelf this weekend when he plays for East Coast in the under 18’s Grandfinal.