Graduation and Awards Ceremony
29 June 2010
Last Thursday, Kangan Institute wrapped up its largest ever graduation ceremony, celebrating the "Class of 2009" and recognising the achievements of last years graduating students.
Held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, the first thing that many noticed was the sheer scale of the event. Significantly larger than in previous years, this graduation was the first attempt at a single collective graduation event for students across multiple departments - previous years saw multiple smaller graduations staged throughout the year.
Hosted by Adam Elliot, Academy Award-winning director of the animated film Harvie Krumpet, the event also featured live music, and traditional Indigenous dancing.
Following the graduation was a special "Awards Ceremony", which was an opportunity for staff, students and special guests to enjoy drinks, a sit-down meal and the presentation of awards for a selection of the Institute's top achievers.
Kangan Institute CEO, Ray Griffiths, said the awards ceremony was a great way to recognise the efforts and dedication students have put into their studies.
"This evening's event is specifically designed for our high-achieving students," Ray said, "The ones who have gone above and beyond, who have come up against various challenges, who have succeeded well beyond expectation.
"It's for those of you who have excelled at your studies," Ray continued, "And it's for those who made an impression on the teachers who nominated you for these awards."
Some of the outstanding student award-winners for 2009 recognised include:
Student of the Year Award: R-Cee Mabbagu
International Student of the Year Award: Aanchal White
Adult Learner of the Year Award: Oscar Flores
Supported by the Rotary Club of Essendon
Apprentice of the Year Award: Cohen McCormick
Supported by K & P Dean Distributers.
Harold Richards Award: Hour Bak
Supported by the Rotary Club of Essendon
VET in Schools Award: Adam Garofolo
Gunung-Willam-Balluk Elder Uncle Norm Hunter Award: Rachel Burns
Supported by the Broadmeadows Magistrates Court
Arnold Davis Memorial Award: Cathy Ball
Broadmeadows Magistrates Court
Community Youth and Health Group Gold Medallion: Nathan Baxter
Supported by Moonee Valley City Council
Business Services Group Gold Medallion: R-Cee Mabbagu
Supported by Moonee Valley City Council
Technical Group Gold Medallion: Cohen McCormick
David Lawton Memorial Award: Sandra Remedio
Presented to the Auslan student who displays a positive attitude to learning, and a willingness to help others
David Wiltshire Memorial Award: Michael Van Lith
Presented to the best second year automotive vehicle trimming student
Best Student in Engineering: Craig Siddle
Supported by Henkle Loctite
John Edwards Memorial Excellence Award: Buddhika Willap-Fransiskuge
Best Student in Aviation - supported by Rotary Club of Strathmore
Best Student in the Built and Natural Environment: Rhys Winston
Supported by Fielders
AR Jackson Award: Sevag Parseghian
The best first year apprentice across all the automotive trades - supported by the Rotary Club of Coburg
Ulysses Victorian Motorcycle Apprentice of the Year Award: Matthew Redgrove
Best third year motorcycle mechanic student - supported by the Ulysses Club
Trucks in Action, Civil Works Expo and Farm World Award: Cohen McCormick
Best heavy vehicles student - supported by Lardner Park Events
Automotive Electrical Apprentice of the Year Award: Walter Newman
Supported by Jay Dee Auto Cables
Sir Henry Royce Foundation Award for Excellence in Automotive: Scott Sommer
The best third year autobody and specialist trade student studying at the Automotive Centre of Excellence
Award for recognition: Daniel Kostakakis
First place in autobody repair category for Worldskills competition
Congratulations to all of our 2009 graduates!
