Simon Riley, Principal of Ipswich State High School, received the prestigious “Standing for Something” award from the Queensland Ipswich Stake of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints recently for his outstanding contribution to education.
Left to right: Riley children, Connor, Jorgia, Amelia, Tobias; Mrs Amanda Riley, President Mark McNamee, Principal Simon Riley,Councillor Cheryl Bromage
The Standing for Something award is given by the local Church organization to an individual whose service is exemplary in bettering the life of the community.
The recognition includes a small bronze statuette of John Simpson Kirkpatrick bearing a wounded soldier on the back of a donkey. A tributary statue to Simpson stands outside the Australian War Memorial in Canberra, ACT. The statuette given with the award is more impressionistic and was designed by Cathy Weiszmann of the National Art School in Sydney.
Mr Riley was honoured during a combined youth and Young Single Adult Fireside meeting. Several leaders from the Church and the community spoke to the young people on the importance of a good education, including Mr. Riley and Councillor Cheryl Bromage of the Division 6 Ipswich Council.
The evening ended with attendees enjoying refreshments and visiting with Mr Riley and his family. Many of the young people knew Mr Riley as their principal and were happy for the opportunity to express to him their appreciation for his positive impact on their lives.
Spenzer Woodforth, a student who was in attendance, said, "I was really surprised that my Principal, Mr Riley, was the main speaker. He made me feel really good about being there."
Mr Riley thanked the sponsors in a letter he sent Church organisers of the event. “My thanks to you….for the opportunity you gave me to talk about my passion. I have never regarded myself as special, but I do belong to a special profession, one which in many ways holds the future in its hands.”
“The certificate and trophy are in pride of place in my office, clearly visible to anyone who wants to have look. I don’t boast of them, but I am very proud of them and humbled that you and your community think I am worthy of them.”