When Amber Wraith was a student at Carey, she was known for being a dedicated friend, passionate musician and an energetic team player on the sporting field. Not only was she a valued member of Carey’s cross country and athletics programs, but she was part of the School’s very first Girls Football Team in 2018.
Amber tragically succumbed to her years-long fight against mental illness on 13 April 2022, leading her inspiring family to found Amber’s White Light (AWL), a charity dedicated to improving outcomes for young people with complex mental health. At Carey, we have grieved alongside the Wraith family and, along with the Old Carey Grammarians Association, are proud to support AWL’s cause.
To honour Amber’s memory and love for AFL and playing football for Carey, this year, AWL inaugurated the AWL Spirit of the Game Award for a female football player from the Carey Girls First XVIII who has demonstrated teamwork, camaraderie, a positive mindset, enthusiasm and encouragement of teammates throughout the first half of the season.
Presented by AWL Founder and Amber’s mum, Tamara Wraith, and Head of Senior School, Kellie Lyneham, the first ever AWL Spirit of the Game Award went to Year 12 student Madi, Vice-Captain of the Girls First XVIII Football Team (pictured above with Tamara). As part of the award, Madi received a Sherrin football signed by Carey alum Katie Lynch (2018) and all of her teammates at the Gold Coast Suns AFLW team.
We sincerely congratulate Madi for her efforts, attitude and leadership throughout the season, which echo the value Amber placed on connectedness, collaboration and loyalty to her friends and teammates – some of whom were in attendance at the presentation. Marli Wilkinson, Chelsea Pozzobon, Charlotte Moon and Grace van Luyk all played in the Carey Girls Football Team with Amber in 2018, and they were joined by current Coach of the Girls First XVIII Football Team, Rhys Adams, who also coached that team back in 2018.
The award was presented after the Girls First Football match during the APS AWL Round. You can read more about AWL Round and the tradition of themed APS rounds in Head of Sport and Activities, Paul Jepson’s article in this newsletter. AWL Round is an opportunity for all students to show their support for AWL by purchasing shoelaces to be worn during matches, as well as t-shirts and other merchandise, with all funds raised going toward research into complex youth mental health and supporting the implementation of research and best practices into hospitals and healthcare services.
If you would like to support AWL or find out more about their work, visit their website.
Kelly Southworth
Content Developer, Community Engagement
