Leadership comes naturally for Elka Pike and Monique Lush.
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The Moruya High School captains are Future Leaders award winners for 2019.
Elka is one of four recipients in Australia to receive the Helen Handbury leadership award - a reward of $5000 for demonstrating leadership and potential.
"I feel really honoured and grateful, a big thank you to Mrs (Kimberli) Eke, who sent in the nominations," Elka said.
The $5000 award helps to fund an international trip to undertake voluntary work, while studying at university.
"I would love to volunteer in South Africa," Elka said.
Monique was awarded a Future Justice Award and $1000.
"I was surprised two of us from the same school had made enough difference to be recognised," Monique said.
The awards came as a pleasant surprise and both students appreciated their nomination. Mrs Eke, a careers advisor, said the whole school was proud of the girls.
"The awards recognise year 12 students in regional areas who have demonstrated outstanding community leadership and initiative," she said.
Just take all of the opportunities you can, because you won't have another chance to do it.
- Monique Lush
To Monique, leadership is about being a role model.
"It's about helping others so their experiences are bettered," she said.
Her leadership is fully demonstrated when teaching sessions for the school's fitness club twice a week before school.
"It is where people can come and exercise, be themselves and start the day off more positive," she said.
Elka encourages youth to experience leadership by stepping up into roles they wouldn't normally do.
"It gives experience and expands skills," she said.
Elka previously received the Duke of Edinburgh award, which has helped guide her towards community groups such as St Johns Ambulance, Moruya Surf Life Saving Club and sporting organisations.
As the end of Monique and Elka's days at high school are near, they have mixed emotions about what comes next.
"I am excited to leave school; it has been a good journey, but I am excited to start a new chapter," Elka said.
Elka is passionate about health and human resources and intends to travel the world.
"I want to learn as much as I can about the world before going to university."
Her advice is: "Do as much as you can in school; it is a time where you can choose to do so little, or to do so much; I definitely recommend doing more."
Monique is nervous but excited: "Just take all of the opportunities you can, because you won't have another chance to do it."