North Coast TAFE recognises top Kempsey students for 2007

Friday 2nd May, 2008

A CRESCENT HEAD mother-of-two has taken out the top award at North Coast TAFE’s Kempsey Campus graduation awards.

Carolyn Ellis, who completed the Diploma of Community Welfare Work in 2007, was named Student of the Year in recognition of her excellent academic results as well for being an “excellent all round team player”, according to the judges.

“Carolyn not only achieved the highest aggregate point score across the Diploma but she was also the type of student willing to support and assist others who were having difficulty,” Community Welfare teacher Jodie Sherrin said.

“She always shared her own knowledge, time and resources with her fellow students.

“On top of all this, Carolyn is raising two young children and was working part time at the local high school.”

The graduation awards were presented on Thursday, April 30 at the Kempsey TAFE Campus and were well attended by local dignitaries including Mayor Betty Green, Federal Member for Cowper, Luke Hartsuyker MP and Member for Oxley, Andrew Stoner MP.

North Coast TAFE Institute Director Elizabeth McGregor spoke at the ceremony and said that the overall quality of graduating students at TAFE’s Kempsey Campus was exceptional.

“This year’s category winners have set an incredibly high standard, not just academically, but also in their passion, commitment, communication, ethics, and community involvement,” she said.

Other major award winners on the night included:

• Luke Cassidy – winner of the Victor Silcock Award for the best performing apprentice
• Hayley Paterson - Beth Williamson Award for best performance in the Community Services and Health faculty
• Lee Craft and Elizabeth Price – top performers in Retail
• Kyle Patrick – Nestle Award for best Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander student
• Trent Godfrey – Repco Award for top performing Automotive student

These students are now also in the running for North Coast TAFE’s top awards – the annual Student Achievement Awards which will be held in Coffs Harbour on June 5, 2008.

Applications are being accepted for many Semester two courses with a closing date of 30 May, 2008. Anyone applying for high demand courses should ensure they get their application in on time.

For more information on how to apply or enrol at North Coast TAFE, call 131 601 or visit www.nci.tafensw.edu.au.

Kempsey Student of the Year Carolyn Ellis with North Coast TAFE Director Elizabeth McGregor