Challenge 100 showcases our vibrant youths

DOING GREAT THINGS... Goulburn Valley Grammar School student Zoe De Paola achieved her Duke of Edinburgh's Award in 2020 and has now completed Challenge100 while juggling her year 12 studies. Photo: Amy De Paola

In addition to completing year 11 during what was a most challenging year for school students, Goulburn Valley Grammar School student Zoe De Paola also achieved her Duke of Edinburgh’s Award in 2020.

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is a leading structured (non-formal education) youth development program, empowering all young Australians aged 14-24 to explore their full potential and find their purpose, passion and place in the world, regardless of their location or circumstance. The Award is a fully inclusive program and has no social, political, or religious affiliations.

Named after Prince Philip, the program has been the catalyst to more than 700,000 young Australians participating in the Awards and enriching their lives.

To mark the 100th year of the Award’s Founder, HRH The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, the call to award holders was put out to take on Challenge100 in a bid to raise funds.

Zoe decided to question 20 young people five questions each (that’s where the number 100 comes into play) pertaining to skills, volunteering, physical recreation and adventurous journeys.

Over 20 days, Zoe posted the answers on her Instagram stories @zoedepola as well as completing her year 12 studies.

“I was really interested in completing this challenge as it helps raise funds to assist marginalised youth to also complete the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award program, all around the world,” Zoe said.

Zoe hopes to showcase the amazing things young people are capable of and raise funds to help others complete the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award themselves.

DOING GREAT THINGS… Goulburn Valley Grammar School student Zoe De Paola achieved her Duke of Edinburgh’s Award in 2020 and has now completed Challenge100 while juggling her year 12 studies. Photo: Amy De Paola