Local TAFE students scoop major awards
Thursday 1 June 2006
Three students from Wollongbar Campus have featured prominently in the TAFE NSW – North Coast Institute Student Achievement Awards.
The TAFE NSW – North Coast Institute Student Achievement Awards were announced at an Awards dinner held at the Osprey Restaurant, at Coffs Harbour Education Campus on 1 June. The awards recognise outstanding achievements in academic effort, community involvement and career commitment and go to students in individual Institute Faculties and in five other major categories.
The three students whose outstanding efforts have been recognised are:
- Niyati Hutchins, a Textiles Clothing and Footwear Fashion Diploma student, who has won the Arts and Media Faculty Student Achievement Award;
- Raelene Brookes, a Tertiary Preparation Certificate student, who has won the General Education Faculty Student Achievement Award; and
- Debbie Roberts, a Certificate III in Horticulture student, who has won the Primary Industries and Natural Resources Faculty Student Achievement Award.
Ms Hutchins, who lives in Mullumbimby, received the award because of her consistently outstanding academic effort and creativity coupled with commendable campus participation. Head teacher in Fashion, Lois Hennes described Niyati as being “a role model and mentor with willingness to share knowledge, experience and business skills.”
Eltham resident Raelene Brookes achieved a Tertiary Entrance Score (the equivalent to UAI) of 297 out of a possible 300, came 3rd in the state and equal first in the state in one subject. Teachers commented on her generosity, patience and consideration in spending time sharing expertise with struggling students.
Debbie Roberts struggled as a single parent and an owner of a nursery, juggling the competing demands of study, teenage children, and a start-up business to score consistently high marks throughout her course. Ms Roberts says “My aim was to do more than just ‘do a job’. I wanted to create a sound base for horticulture through study and establish a successful nursery business.
