By JESSE GRAHAM
SCHOOL kids from around the hills have made their mark and been recognised state-wide as five students were awarded accolades at the Premier’s VCE Awards.
The awards, which were given in a ceremony on 5 June, aim to recognise excellence in secondary school students and their academic efforts in their VCE course work.
Lee Filkin from Upwey, Mount Dandenong’s Lachlan Meadows, Selby’s Britt Westaway and Theresa Collins and Belgrave’s Grace Alateras all received VCE awards.
Lachlan Meadows, who received an award for his work in visual communication and design at Monbulk Secondary College, said he was happy to get an award.
“I’m stoked about it,” he said.
“I chose it in high school and used it as a getaway from constant math and English.
“It was a subject where you didn’t have to write a lot – you get to use a different part of your mind.”
Lachlan is currently studying product design and engineering at Swinburne University and plans on honing in on a future job during a year of industry-based learning in his course.
Britt Westaway won her award for her Community Services Certificate at Box Hill Institute, which she completed last year, and has completed work with American children’s charity Love146.
“They work towards the abolition of child sex slavery and exploitation through prevention and aftercare,” she said.
“As a child, a lot of us are sheltered from horrific issues and when we find out about them, there’s a great sense of obligation to help out.
“The best part is, it’s fun to help out!”
Britt is currently completing year 12 at Nossal High School, teaches as a martial arts instructor in her spare time and plans on completing a Certificate in Disability next year at Box Hill Institute.
“I feel lucky to have been awarded the Premier’s VCE Award as well as Student of Excellence at Box Hill Institute,” she said.
“I guess it shows slaving away in the early hours of the morning on assignments is worth it!”
Theresa Collins received an award for her drama work at Mater Christi College has been practising drama for eight years and is now studying an arts science degree.
“I enjoyed drama, it was a good break from my other subjects,” she said.
“I liked the social aspects of it and the support group I had – my friends were really good and I had a close connection with my teachers.”
Theresa said she was shocked and happy to receive her award and that she was interested in studying psychology, though she wants to travel first.
Grace Alateras, also from Mater Christi College, received an award for production design and technology, within which she studied textiles and garment construction.
“Receiving a 50/50 for my favourite subject was reward enough, but to be recognised formally statewide was something else!,” she said.
“It’s so important to choose the subjects you love, even if you don’t know what you want to do after – do what you love and do it well.”
Grace is studying a Bachelor of Fashion degree at RMIT University, her first preference, and plans to travel and get internships working under creative geniuses.
“Congratulations to everyone who was recognised on the day,” she said.
“From someone in the same position, I can appreciate how hard we all worked and it’s awesome to be recognised on such a level.”
The Premier’s VCE Awards are given to students who achieve particularly high results in their VCE classes.
For more information, visit www.education.vic.gov.au.
