02 DENG AROK

BORN to South Sudanese parents in Kakuma Refugee Camp in 1999, Deng Arok has the world at his feet.

After moving to Toowoomba in 2004 and going on to become a gifted athlete and school leader at Christian Outreach College, Mr Arok exemplifies the essence of good.

Generous, kind, enthusiastic, committed and compassionate, Mr Arok has earned the respect of his peers, the community, and civic and religious leaders.

He was nominated for, and honoured to be, one of 65 baton bearers of the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games Queen’s Baton Relay in Toowoomba this year.

Nominated by his Christian Outreach College Toowoomba principal Michael Bray, Mr Arok was selected because he demonstrated the highest level of integrity in all he does, gives much of his time helping others succeed, and is a positive influence and role model with the local Sudanese community, his sporting clubs and the wider community.

Mr Arok takes time to mentor young people at HumeRidge Church of Christ, under the guidance of Pastor Ross Savill.

Pastor Savill said Mr Arok was “an outstanding young man” who “exemplifies” all the good in people.

“He wants to take part ... his example flies in the face of some of the other stuff we read and see (in the news),” he said.

This calm and considered young leader, and avid Aussie rules player, shows an understanding of society and its concerns beyond his years.

He is currently studying at the University of Queensland after graduating last year.