IN what is shaping up to be a big year for Port Stephens Young Citizen of the Year, Carissa Maher has been accepted into the University of Newcastle’s Bachelor of Social Science, majoring in Criminology.

After being bestowed the honour at the Port Stephens annual Australia Day award ceremony at Nelson Bay, Miss Maher will now turn her attention to tertiary studies.

Miss Maher is looking forward to starting her tertiary studies, which will expand into a double degree when she introduces the Bachelor of Laws to her program in 2018.

A high achiever, Miss Maher told Medowie News Of The Area, “I am excited to get started on my career path and really looking forward to socialising and meeting new people.”

“After my University studies my plan is to become a NSW Police Prosecutor.”

Of receiving the Port Stephens award, Miss Maher told Medowie News Of The Area, “I am extremely grateful and privileged to be the 2017 recipient of the award.”

“Receiving it has further encouraged me to chase my dreams whilst supporting my local community as much as I can and to continue being a voice for those living with a chronic, invisible illness.”

Miss Maher also encourages other young people to become actively involved in the local community, adding, “I encourage all young people to find what they love to do and do it daily, incorporating in into their local community wherever possible.”

“Join or volunteer at a local sporting club, volunteer with the rural firies or just get out there and be a voice for what you are passionate about, it’s extremely rewarding.”

 

By Heather SHARP