Students from Anglican Youthworks’ gap year program, Year 13, recently celebrated their graduation at a ceremony held at Danebank Anglican School on November 14.

This year 83 students graduated from the program, more than double the number from 2011.

“We are really thankful to God for how the well the year went,” said director, the Rev Andrew Nixon. “There was a little bit of trepidation with such a large number of students, but God was very gracious. We saw great maturity, growth and transformation in all the kids.”

Almost 700 people attended the graduation, where they heard Archbishop Peter Jensen speak on Romans 12.

“The challenge that Peter gave was that the students would all be thinking about what they’re going to be doing next year,” Mr Nixon said. “But that isn’t what matters. What matters is who you’re going to be.”

Applications are now open for the 2013 intake and, while more applications have been received than at the same time last year, Mr Nixon expects numbers to remain similar
to 2012.

Students can complete the program in one of two ways, either through continuous mode or intensive mode. The intensive mode is offered for students not from Sydney and, in 2012, students from as far away as Wickham and Karratha in north-west WA were among those who completed the program.

“It’s really great to see students and churches from around the country recognising the ministry of Year 13,” Mr Nixon said.

In a bid to strengthen its ties with Year 13, Wickham Anglican Church, which is supported by Bush Church Aid, is offering two $10,000 scholarships for one guy and one girl to undertake the program in 2013 in partnership with their church, ‘for a year of mission to the local population’.

Students wishing to apply for the scholarships are being asked to submit their applications before Christmas this year.