EARLY in the morning when the halls of Lavington East Public School are still quiet, Jorja Scammell arrives and begins to prepare breakfast.
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Jorja, who turns 12 on Wednesday, has volunteered every morning since the beginning of term two, ensuring her peers begin each day with a full stomach.
She fires up the toasters and turns on the hot water urn in anticipation of the 8.30am rush.
The year 6 student has even timed the perfect piece of “golden brown” toast – at two minutes and 11 seconds.
Jorja has been nominated for the Fred Hollows humanity award for her commitment to the school's breakfast club.
“I do it because I like helping people and I like cooking,” she said.
“We get here at 8am, we put out the plates and cups and get the toast ready.
“Then we butter it and sometimes we put Vegemite or jam on it.
“I think the other students like it, they like coming down.”
About 360 students attend the primary school and, with the help of friends, teachers, parent volunteers and school chaplain David Reeks, the breakfast club caters for 50 to 60 students each day.
Jorja was part of a group of students which came up with the idea, but has been the consistent volunteer since it was established.
“We put the kettle on and make Milos, but the teacher has to pour the hot water,” she said.
“It's worth getting up a bit earlier every day, I hope it keeps running after I leave to go to high school.”
Jorja was assisted on toast and Milo duty on Tuesday by Kaniesha Turnbull, 11, who said she enjoyed helping.
The school has partnered with Albury-Wodonga Regional FoodShare and is establishing links with the Red Cross to continue the program.
School principal Kathleen Parker, who nominated Jorja for the award, said she was surprised at how consistent the demand had been.
“I asked for suggestions from our year 6 students about how we could improve, Jorja was part of a group of girls who suggested the breakfast club,” she said.
“In addition to a meal, students can socialise and make friends.
“Jorja was our first volunteer for the breakfast club and strongest advocate for making sure all students felt comfortable and relaxed, were well fed, and had a cheery smile to start the day.”
The award recognises year 6 students who show care and compassion, following in Fred Hollows’ footsteps.
It is the second year it has operated in NSW and it began for students in Victoria this year.
Nominations close August 21 at hollows.org/humanityaward.
