Latest news with #CommunityCitizenoftheYear
Perth Now
28-05-2025
- Sport
- Perth Now
WA boy hailed hero for saving dad in horror tractor accident
Paul 'Pablo' Sleeman, who saved his father's life following an horrendous tractor accident, has been named the Shire of Denmark's Youth Citizen of the Year. The 13-year-old, known by all as Pablo, called 000 and alerted his mother when his father, Dr Alex Sleeman, was critically injured after his tractor rolled in September last year, pinning him underneath. The popular Denmark GP suffered serious spinal injuries, but his son's quick actions helped get him to Denmark Hospital within the hour and then, via the Royal Flying Doctor Service, to Perth. Since the accident, with his father learning to walk again, Pablo has raised more than $32,000 for the RFDS, which has also included a family fitness challenge. Deputy shire president Jan Lewis said he had also helped rescue swimmers from local beaches. 'He has shown exceptional bravery and compassion, leadership and dedication to community safety, making him an inspiring role model,' she said. Shaun Ossinger, a dedicated environmentalist, sports coach and mentor, was named the shire's Community Citizen of the Year. Cr Lewis said his leadership of the Wilson Inlet Catchment Committee was testament to his dedication to environmental matters. Paul 'Pablo' Sleeman, 13, Bradley Woodruff, Lesley Murphy, Anthony McEwan, Jy Drummond, 15, Shaun Ossinger and Darin Hockley. Credit: Serena Kirby 'Shaun's unwavering commitment to our environment and community has left a profound and lasting impact on the shire,' she said. As well as being an environmental champion, Mr Ossinger is also a basketball coach, a student mentor and drives a sailing safety boat. The Senior Citizen of the Year was Lesley Murphy, recognised for her tireless volunteer work with St John WA, the St Ayles Skiffs and the Bowling and Recreation Club. 'Her dedication, leadership and quiet acts of kindness make her an inspiration and deeply deserving community champion,' Cr Lewis said. Capt. Darin Hockey accepted the Group Citizen of the Year award, representing the Denmark Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service. A shire statement said the group was recognised for 'over 60 years of courage, leadership, and community spirit, in responding to emergencies, educating the public, and mentoring future volunteers'. In the sport presentations, Anthony McEwan earned the senior award having been recognised for his contribution to Denmark's surf lifesaving club. Mountain biker Jy Drummond, 15, won the junior award while the Service to Sport award went to Bradley Woodruff for his commitment to supporting young athletes across multiple sports. The awards were announced at a volunteer appreciation sundowner at the town's Resource Centre Gallery on Saturday. The theme of the evening was National Volunteer Week's Connecting Communities.
West Australian
28-05-2025
- Sport
- West Australian
Paul Sleeman named Youth Citizen of the Year after saving dad's life and raising $32k for Royal Flying Doctors
Paul 'Pablo' Sleeman, who saved his father's life following an horrendous tractor accident, has been named the Shire of Denmark's Youth Citizen of the Year. The 13-year-old, known by all as Pablo, called 000 and alerted his mother when his father, Dr Alex Sleeman, was critically injured after his tractor rolled in September last year, pinning him underneath. The popular Denmark GP suffered serious spinal injuries, but his son's quick actions helped get him to Denmark Hospital within the hour and then, via the Royal Flying Doctor Service, to Perth. Since the accident, with his father learning to walk again, Pablo has raised more than $32,000 for the RFDS, which has also included a family fitness challenge. Deputy shire president Jan Lewis said he had also helped rescue swimmers from local beaches. 'He has shown exceptional bravery and compassion, leadership and dedication to community safety, making him an inspiring role model,' she said. Shaun Ossinger, a dedicated environmentalist, sports coach and mentor, was named the shire's Community Citizen of the Year. Cr Lewis said his leadership of the Wilson Inlet Catchment Committee was testament to his dedication to environmental matters. 'Shaun's unwavering commitment to our environment and community has left a profound and lasting impact on the shire,' she said. As well as being an environmental champion, Mr Ossinger is also a basketball coach, a student mentor and drives a sailing safety boat. The Senior Citizen of the Year was Lesley Murphy, recognised for her tireless volunteer work with St John WA, the St Ayles Skiffs and the Bowling and Recreation Club. 'Her dedication, leadership and quiet acts of kindness make her an inspiration and deeply deserving community champion,' Cr Lewis said. Capt. Darin Hockey accepted the Group Citizen of the Year award, representing the Denmark Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service. A shire statement said the group was recognised for 'over 60 years of courage, leadership, and community spirit, in responding to emergencies, educating the public, and mentoring future volunteers'. In the sport presentations, Anthony McEwan earned the senior award having been recognised for his contribution to Denmark's surf lifesaving club. Mountain biker Jy Drummond, 15, won the junior award while the Service to Sport award went to Bradley Woodruff for his commitment to supporting young athletes across multiple sports. The awards were announced at a volunteer appreciation sundowner at the town's Resource Centre Gallery on Saturday. The theme of the evening was National Volunteer Week's Connecting Communities.
Yahoo
02-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Lake Travis school district names Conroe's Curtis Null as lone finalist for superintendent
Conroe Superintendent Curtis Null has been named the lone finalist to lead the Lake Travis school district. The district's Board of Trustees selected Null at a special meeting Thursday. By law, the district is required to observe a 21-day waiting period before Null can officially be hired. Null has served as superintendent of Conroe since June 2018, leading Texas' seventh-largest school district with about 73,000 students and over 10,000 employees. He began his career in Conroe in 2000 at The Woodlands High School and has served as principal, assistant superintendent and deputy superintendent. Null serves on numerous local and regional boards and has been honored for his civic leadership, including being named Community Citizen of the Year in 2022. Lake Travis officials said in a news release that since 2018, the Conroe school district has opened 10 new schools, including a new high school. In November 2023, voters approved a $1.97 billion bond, the largest in Montgomery County history. They said the district also maintains the second-lowest tax rate in the greater Houston area and for two consecutive years was the highest-ranked public school district on Forbes' list of America's Best Large Employers. More: Lake Travis Superintendent Paul Norton resigns following result of investigation 'Dr. Null is a dynamic leader with a proven track record of success and a deep commitment to building strong relationships,' said Erin Archer, Lake Travis board president. 'He brings an impressive record of leadership outcomes, successful school programs and dynamic community involvement. We're confident he will guide our district through future challenges and help our students and staff thrive.' 'I am honored to be named the lone finalist in Lake Travis ISD,' Null said in the release. 'The opportunity to serve in one of the premier school districts in Texas is one to be cherished. I look forward to working with the students, parents, staff and community to honor the tradition of excellence in Lake Travis while we build an even brighter future together.' Null will succeed Steve Flores, who has been serving as the district's interim superintendent since late February following the resignation of Paul Norton. District officials said Norton voluntarily resigned as superintendent on Feb. 7 following the results of an investigation that stemmed from a complaint made in in December. They would not discuss the nature of the complaint but said it did not relate to students or district finances. Norton had led the 11,000-student district since August 2020 but was placed on paid administrative leave in December. More: Lake Travis school board names Steve Flores, former RRISD leader, interim superintendent Flores had served as superintendent for five years in Harlingen and seven years at Round Rock before resigning in 2020. Since then, he also has served as interim superintendent in the Taylor and Pflugerville school districts. Following Norton's resignation, the Lake Travis school board retained JG Consulting to assist in the superintendent search. District officials said the process involved gathering stakeholder input, conducting a nationwide search that drew 38 applicants. This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Lake Travis ISD names Curtis Null as lone finalist for superintendent
