Jordan Wood was presented with the Stratford District Council Citizen's Award (youth) last week by mayor Neil Volzke, who commended Jordan for his commitment and dedication to his chosen sport of swimming as well as his academic success.
Jordan is a student at New Plymouth Boys High, and deputy headmaster Bruce Bayly attended the ceremony at the Council chambers in Stratford. Bruce says he noted the award recognised "a strong aspect of service in terms of Jordan's coaching and helping out with the strong swimming programme Stratford has. This in itself is admirable and excellent role modelling".
Jordan has recently returned from the USA, where he was one of six year 12 students at New Plymouth Boys High to attend a Global Young Leaders Conference. Bruce says students are chosen primarily for excellent academic records, adding that Jordan has clearly grown from the experience, demonstrating great speaking skills and confidence during a recent staff versus student debate at the school.
Jordan says he was "stoked and surprised" to learn he was to receive the Youth Citizen Award, "when I saw a letter from the council, I thought Imust have an overdue book, that's why they normally write to me!"
Jordan is a keen and talented swimmer, and says that along with role models such as Moss Burmester, he has also been inspired by some local heroes, including Clive Wheeler, who was his swimming coach for many years.
