(Left to right): Riley King, Holly Smibert and Cameron Munro

Monday 28 February 2011

Gold Coast, NSW - Holly Smibert, Riley King and Cameron Munro were all smiles as applause and cheering rang out during the Robina High School 2010 end-of-year awards night at the Gold Coast Arts Centre. These students, youth from the Gold Coast Australia stake (diocese) of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, were awarded top honours.

Holly Smibert received the junior school dux award, Riley the senior school dux, and Cameron was named a school captain for the 2011 school year. The three also won several other awards and prizes for their outstanding academic achievements.

To attain their academic goals, the youth say they understand the importance not only of spending time on their studies, but of living the gospel of Jesus Christ, attending early morning seminary (scripture study), and making time for the Lord.

"If I put the Sabbath day aside for the Lord," says Holly, "as well as time each morning in seminary, reading my scriptures and so on, then I know he'll have time for me, and bless me, and he definitely has."

"One of the goals for the young men in the Aaronic Priesthood is to gain as much education as possible," says Riley King, "I've tried to take the counsel of the Brethren of the Church, and living the gospel is the driving force behind being able to achieve my goals. Seminary has helped me understand and rely on the Lord's help and also to further develop good study habits."

Cameron Munro particularly felt the help of the Holy Ghost while running for school captain. He decided to do something unusual. He sang his campaign speech – to the delight of the other students – who cheered and clapped along.

"I was freaking out about it," he says. "I wouldn't have had the confidence to do that without the Lord's help. I'm sure the Spirit helped my speech to be received well, and put my name in people's minds when voting."

Gold Coast stake president, Dean Reid, emphasized what a strength the youth are to the Church's congregations and commented on how pleasing it was to know that the youth were internalizing principles of education, hard work, and living the gospel diligently.

"It gives motivation to leaders," said President Reid, "because rearing our rising generation of youth is the purpose for much of our teaching and our activities in the Church."

The strength of these youth is also noticed by their school teachers and peers. Both Cameron Munro's parents and teachers encouraged him to run for school captain.

"My friends also have respect for my standards – they don't swear around me or offer me alcohol, and they pull me up on things, even though they don't share the standards. Opportunities to share the gospel have also come. My friends know my standards and respect me for them," says Riley King. "And I've been able to invite friends to church activities."

Holly Smibert has been able to share the doctrines of the gospel and the Book of Mormon.

"My friends have asked questions about my religion – which have at times led to gospel discussions", she says. "It takes courage to share the gospel or offer someone a Book of Mormon, but I've felt the help of the Holy Ghost."

As the 2011 school year gets underway, Holly Smibert, Riley King and Cameron Munro are prioritizing their efforts. Goals of university study are at the top of the list as well as mission preparation for Riley; doing well in school and seminary for Holly; and academic goals, saving for a mission and being a great school captain for Cameron.

I hope to help with unity among the students and year levels," he adds, "and work well to make good plans with the school committees."