Skills earn selection

Saving lives is just another passion for Matamata College year 12 students Jesse Walker and Danielle Campbell.

They have been selected to travel to Auckland along with two other students in their team from the Bay of Plenty region, for the St John National Youth Festival from April 25 to 29.

‘‘There’s three regions in New Zealand that get chosen for this, and our region picks 30 people who are all split off into different areas of expertise,’’ said Jesse. ‘‘Three teams of four go up to nationals from our district.’’

Jesse has been involved with the programme since 2009, and wishes to become a paediatric nurse when she leaves school.

‘‘This is a great step for me. It’s something I’m passionate about, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds for me after this,’’ she said.

The festival involves first aid scenarios, different types of drills, communication tests and much more for the hundreds of senior cadets selected for the programme.

With plenty of team and individual scenarios, there are a lot of activities to entertain and educate the students.

Matamata College held a Bake Sale earlier this month to help raise money for the girls to go up to nationals.

‘‘I want to say thanks to our divisional manager for helping us with this, and the school for their fundraising efforts,’’ said Jesse.

‘‘And of course to our parents who have supported us and for all the transport.’’