Kangan Batman TAFE's Top Students from 2006
16 May 2007
A electrical apprentice, a former South Korean maths teacher turned community worker, and a massage therapist from Queensland are among Kangan Batman TAFE's top students.
The following students, selected from a pool of almost 30,000, were presented with their awards at faculty-oriented Graduation and Awards Ceremony at the Melbourne Convention Centre.
Student and Apprentice of the Year
John Rist
Twenty-one year old Sunbury resident John Rist has become something of a celebrity at Kangan Batman TAFE, taking out the Student of the Year and Apprentice of the Year Awards for 2006.
John was named the Australian Industrial Electrical Apprentice of the Year at the National Electrical and Communications Association awards in October last year. Despite the accolades John remains very down to earth and he continues to be focussed on achieving his goals for the future.
'In the future I plan on completing an Advanced Diploma in Electrical and then a Degree in Electrical Engineering. Within 10 years I would like to own my business,' John said.
John's teachers at the Broadmeadows campus Kangan Batman TAFE and his employer, CEC Electrical, are proud of John's achievements but not surprised. His teachers and employer have commented on his willingness to help others and his natural abilities as a team player.
During his time at Kangan Batman TAFE John feels that he has found the course and staff to be exceptional.
'The teachers were great, they all had a strong practical understanding of the industry. The mix of on the job and off the job training has also been really valuable, the practical experience and the theory ensures you know all the fundamentals of the trade,' John said.
Trainee of the Year
Danielle Kremar
Business trainee Danielle Kremar from Diggers Rest experienced both professional and personal growth through her studies.
'Prior to starting my traineeship, I was extremely quiet and reserved. I had little confidence in my abilities and felt I had no real goals or future prospects in regards to a career,' Danielle said.
Both Danielle's teachers and employer have been impressed with her skills and her dedication to her work. Danielle has been given extra responsibilities at her job and has excelled in her career.
In future, Danielle plans to continue her studies with an accounting degree and to progress within the company she works for-Bax Global.
VET in Schools Student of the Year
Adam De Fazio
Reservoir-resident Adam De Fazio impressed his teachers and peers alike while studying his VET in Schools course in building at Kangan Batman TAFE.
'I come from a hands-on family and I didn't feel that school was equipping me with all the things I needed. I looked at my options and decided that this course at Kangan Batman TAFE was right for me,' Adam said.
Adam is now working as an apprentice carpenter and is more than happy to put in the hard yards working over time and on weekends. After completing his carpentry apprenticeship, Adam hopes to become a teacher.
Harold C Richards Award
Jeanette Montgomery
This award is for a student who has overcome hardship to excel in their course. It is named after Harold C Richards, the inaugural Council President of Broadmeadows College of TAFE (in which Kangan Batman TAFE has its origins).
Aberfeldie-resident Jeanette Montgomery overcame sizable odds to complete her Advanced Diploma of Justice but her success has been brilliant and well worth the effort.
Although she has faced serious health issues, the loss of close family members and the pressures of being a single parent with three children, Jeanette still managed outstanding academic results.
'Jeanette consistently received high distinction marks for the assessments, assignments, class work and essays she produced. Her work was always of a very high standard, thorough, well-thought out and demonstrative of her extensive knowledge of the course material,' said business and management teacher, Shannon Elston.
Adult Learner of the Year
Michelle Orec
When Michelle Orec initially began her Certificate III in General Education for Adults, she was unsure of her ability to learn. By the end of her course, the Gladstone-Park resident became a confident empowered student with a passion for knowledge.
'Before I began studying I had very low self esteem, but I have found the teachers at Kangan Batman TAFE to be inspirational, their confidence and belief in me helped me not to give up. My spelling and maths has improved, I can now use programs like Microsoft Word, and I can write essays!' she said.
Michelle is thinking about further study into Year 12 or fashion at Kangan Batman TAFE.
Gold Medallion Winner-Community, Youth and Health
Yeon Leslie
Williamstown-resident Yeon Leslie is an real example of how vocational education makes a difference not just in the lives of individual students but for a whole community.
Yeon worked as a mathematics teacher in South Korea before moving to Australia in 2000. Despite her limited English skills and lack of family support and social network, Yeon's passion to help people meant she never let obstacles like this stand in her way.
Working as a volunteer in the community and welfare area while studying a Diploma of Community Welfare Work has not only given Yeon valuable experience but increased self esteem.
Yeon is passionate about extending services for Korean people in Australia, and plans to study a degree in social work to further develop her skills.
Gold Medallion Winner, Business Services
Michelle (Mechel) Pearson
Despite having to travel thousands of kilometres from her home in Queensland to study, Mechel Pearson has achieved much since starting a Diploma in Remedial Massage at Kangan Batman TAFE.
As well as taking out the top student award in the Business Services Group, Mechel gained a sense of self-belief and renewed confidence in her abilities. To top it off, she opened a remedial massage clinic, 'Re-joovn'8 Body & Soul' within six months of completing her course. Mechel already had a wealth of experience running a large childcare business before taking up study.
'It's important to set small goals. You must believe that every day you can make a difference,' said Mechel
Entering the course as a mature-aged student, Mechel took on a leadership role, taking the younger students under her wing. According to her teachers, Mechel was a big team player at Kangan Batman TAFE, forming study and support groups for her peers.
She said her experiences at Kangan Batman TAFE were 'brilliant and life changing' citing the student massage clinic; the sports massage remedial excursions and a dedicated teaching team as reasons for her success.
Now back in her hometown of Cairns, Mechel plans to set up a 'mini health-hub' where a range of services like massage, yoga classes, counselling and paediatrics are readily available to families.
Koori Awards
Arnold Davis Scholarship Award
Michelle Walker
At the age of 46, Michelle Walker decided to return to study. Juggling her part time job, health problems and caring for her two children, the Fitzroy-resident relished the challenge and completed the VCAL Fashion course with success.
Despite looking after her grandmother who had been hospitalised, Michelle ensured that she worked from home and duly impressed her teachers with all of her work being completed on time and to a high standard.
Not only did she inspire her classmates, Michelle also played a part in encouraging her sister and her niece to return to study. Her teachers have noted that education is something that Michelle values very highly.
Michelle is planning on continuing her studies in fashion in the future having already experienced some success in this area.
'I have designed a dress to wear to the Melbourne Cup which is very exciting because I've never been before. I have also been asked to design and make some friends' wedding dresses,' Michelle said.
Gunung-Willam-Balluk Elder-Uncle Norm Hunter Award
Barbara Williams
Broadmeadows-resident Barbara Williams has just completed a Certificate III in Business as well as successfully completing Year 11. She is now successfully working from home and using all sorts of computer applications.
A member of the Stolen Generation and a single parent, Barbara faced many obstacles in her path. Barbara was also caring for her own and a number of foster children as a single mother. However, she has overcome them and is now a role model for other students in her class.
Barbara has already enrolled for further study and she also hopes to one day write a book about her life. Drawing inspiration from Archie and Ruby Roach, two people she greatly admires, Barbara says determination is the key.
