A student at King’s College, Samuel said the Duke of Edinburgh had broadened his “knowledge, confidence and abilities, much more than I can explain”. 

“I have learnt from many experiences, which I wouldn’t have tried without the Duke of Ed,” Samuel said. 

“I now take every opportunity that comes my way. I have also become a very confident and capable leader throughout secondary school and am currently college vice-captain and Knox house captain at my school.”

Emmanuel College student Indiana trekked through Cambodia as part of his award journey and felt rewarded to be a part of the ceremony at the gala.

“I was not fully aware of the enormity of my achievements until I had finished,” Indiana said.

“The award has made me look outside of just completing academic subjects and given me a broader outlook on life.”

The pair were presented with there awards at the gala by United Nations Youth Representative Benson Saulo at the Melbourne Town Hall.

The award has three levels of achievement, bronze, silver and gold, and gold is the hardest to attain.

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Victoria chief executive officer Anoushka Gungadin said the award provided the opportunity for young Victorians to learn essential life skills.

“We are very proud of our Gold Awardees,” Mr Gungadin said.

“They have all worked extremely hard for this award and have discovered real world knowledge and learnt important life values along the way.”