She hopes to be a lawyer someday but for now this bright Year 11 Rooty Hill High student looks to a busy year ahead as a youth leader.
“I’m overwhelmed and excited …” – Rachelle Rativo. Photo: Tristan Filio
Blacktown City Council announced recently that Rachelle Rativo, of Quakers Hill, and Olivia Sargent, of Blacktown, who attends Nagle College, have been selected as the Blacktown City Youth Ambassadors for 2015.
The appointment of the two Youth Ambassadors was made following a presentation from the five finalists who progressed through to the final night.
“It’s an incredible honour being appointed as Blacktown City’s Youth Ambassador. I’m overwhelmed with excitement at the prospect of being part of this program and I’m looking forward to the year that’s ahead of me,” said Rachelle.
The Youth Ambassador selection process involved an interview, a written quiz, and delivery of a five minute speech relating to this year’s theme “How are the Youth of Blacktown influenced by technology and what are the ways Blacktown City Council can use technology to enhance the Sister Cities Program?”
“I congratulate Rachelle and Olivia on becoming Blacktown City’s 2015 Youth Ambassadors,” Blacktown City Mayor, Councillor Stephen Bali said.
“Rachelle and Olivia performed extremely well throughout the nomination process. I believe they will be outstanding young leaders who actively represent the youth,” said Mayor Bali.
“I did get nervous during the selection process. I think the most intense part was waiting for my turn to present and then waiting for their announcement of who the new Youth Ambassadors will be,” said Rachelle.
“The main message in my speech in regard to the role of the youth in Blacktown City revolved around how their increased engagement with technology can be exploited through the introduction of an Education Portal on the Blacktown City Council’s website. This Education Portal would then presumably help to spread youth awareness of the Sister Cities program and attract their involvement in the community.
Rachelle was born in the Philippines and was only one year old when her family moved to Australia.
Rachelle and Olivia will attend a number of civic functions, present speeches at citizenship ceremonies and represent the youth of Blacktown City at the Young Australian Sister Cities Conference in late September.
An active member of their school’s debate team, Rachelle hopes to become a lawyer some day.
“I want to pursue a career in law,” she said.
I’m extremely passionate about the justice system, the welfare of the individuals and protecting the interests of the greater community.”
