FORMER Proserpine State High School student Hannah Watson is a girl on a mission and Zonta Club of the Whitsundays has awarded the 2011 Young Women in Public Affairs Awards Program.

This adds to the string of other awards and achievements Ms Watson has received in her final years at Proserpine High School, her latest being the Australia Day Junior Cultural Award and a nomination for an 'Order of Australia' medal early this year.

Ms Watson has already crammed a lot into her life, including volunteering at all levels, both at school and in the wider community.

Ms Watson is also a talented musician and with her high academic achievements she is in her first semester at the University of Queensland and on her way to her goal of completing a double degree of Bachelors of Science and Law.

She hopes this will enable her to find ways to influence a sustainable future for our global environment as she is passionate about advocating for all girls to receive an education and develop confidence and strength to have a voice in their local communities worldwide.

Her application for being a part of the program has been forwarded to Brisbane where she will be judged at a state level. The 2012 YWPA award is now open to all young ladies aged 16-19 years.

The goal of this award in to encourage more young women to participate in public life by recognising a commitment to the volunteer sector, evidence of volunteer leadership achievements and a dedication to the advancement of the status of women.

For more information and an application form visit www.zonta.org/what we do/international programs or phone Wendy Downes on

0418 768 493.