SA Schoolgirl's Bracelet Business Supporting Brain Injuries Takes Out Young Citizen of the Year Award
Inspired by a school project, Loreto College student Alexandra Seal has propelled her charitable business initiative, Six Spaces, to new heights to be acknowledged with a coveted state award.
Combining community compassion with ingenuity, Year 12 Loreto College student, Alexandra Seal has become the winner of the prestigious South Australia’s Young Citizen of the Year Award for incredible fundraising and advocacy initiatives at only 17 years of age.
Nominated for her altruistic and entrepreneurial jewelry business, Six Spaces, Alexandra was presented with the award at a ceremony on 23rd of February at Government House. Earlier in February, she was also acknowledged by her local council, receiving the City of Salisbury's Young Citizen of the Year award.
At just fourteen, Alexandra began creating handcrafted jewelry and selling it in her local community, whilst raising awareness for local charities through her small social enterprise business, Six Spaces.
“Six Spaces is my way of sharing my passions with the world, using my platform to raise awareness and funds for important causes close to my heart. I feel my purpose is to leave this world a better place than I first saw it and I am hence committed to social and environmental change using Six Spaces to amplify my message. I often donate to different charities throughout the year,” Alexandra explains.
She was first inspired by a Loreto College school project based on the UN's Global Goals. A pair of handmade earrings was the catalyst for a $500 donation to bushfire relief and a growing appetite for her philanthropic products.
“We are all exceptionally proud of Alexandra’s achievements, her thoughtfulness and commitment to helping others are the embodiment of Loreto College's values. Our foundress, Mary Ward, envisioned that with a strong education, girls could become ‘seekers of truth and doers of justice’ and take action to improve the world for others. Our students' achievements bring to life the values-based approach to education we foster at the College,” said Ms Kylie McCullah, Principal of Loreto College.
This year, Alexandra will continue to proudly channel her creative talent into Six Spaces whilst studying for her South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE). With her charitable endeavors still front of mind, her most recent donations have been funneled through to a cause close to her heart, Families4Families (F4F).
Alexandra continues, “The South Australian charity Families4Families (F4F) is an important organisation close to my heart that assists individuals and their families who suffer from an Acquired Brain Injury. My Godmother suffers from an Acquired Brain Injury, and she inspired me to work more closely with F4F.”
Showcasing her commitment to the charity, Alexandra also created a short film series interviewing survivors and family members about their experiences. The film is used by charity to educate and inform others about acquired brain injuries and support the families of those impacted.
The Young Citizen of the Year Award celebrates Australians under the age of 30 who make outstanding contributions that benefit the South Australian community. The awards are conducted by the Australia Day Council of South Australia in partnership with each of the 69 Councils across the state.
About Loreto College
Loreto College Marryatville is South Australia’s leading all-girls day and boarding school, catering for students from Early Learning to Year 12.
Established in 1905, a Loreto education is built on a 400-year-old tradition first inspired by the founder of Loreto schools worldwide, Mary Ward, and encapsulates her beliefs in delivering an education which inspires strong, passionate, and confident girls and young women.
In delivering this view, Loreto College Marryatville provides girls with a well-rounded education where students are presented with a broad range of opportunities and given the support and encouragement to become confident and engaged learners with the knowledge and skills to make a difference to their world.