Caboolture students win Fred Hollows awards

Published 4:00pm 19 November 2021

Two Caboolture students have been recognised for their compassion, integrity and kindness at a virtual ceremony for the Fred Hollows Humanity Award.

Coopers Byers and Kenzie Perisch - pictured above - were nominated by their teacher at St Paul’s Lutheran Primary School, Acting Deputy Principal Matt Nicholls.

Cooper was nominated for embodying honesty, humility, respect, faith and compassion.

Kenzie for choosing to follow values such as decency without seeking reward.

“Cooper is a school captain with a big heart,” Mr Nicholls said.

Fred Hollows who helped restore eyesight to thousands of people.

“He leads by example, always volunteering to help any situation. He takes initiative to help younger students and recognises those who might need help.

“Kenzie is a very respectful and dedicated person with a huge heart.

“Her compassion and kindness to every person she encounters is a wonderful example to all. She is very accepting, accommodating, understanding and supporting of those who need it.”

Fred Hollows was a New Zealand–Australian eye surgeon who restored eyesight in thousands of people here and overseas.

At the awards ceremony, Founding Director of The Fred Hollows Foundation, Gabi Hollows congratulated more than 200 students.

Fred Hollows at work.

“The past 18 months have been tough for everyone, but especially for those of you whose schooling was interrupted by the pandemic,” she said.

“I’m so glad we could celebrate your altruism and the differences you’re all making in your communities.

“It’s incredibly humbling to read about what you’ve all been doing, and I know Fred would be so proud of the young humanitarians who have been honoured today.”

The Fred Hollows Humanity Award will return to Queensland in 2022.

For more on the award visit hollows.org/humanityaward