Feltham’s high achieving wins her the VET award
Thrill seeking and hard work are what drives this year’s Vocational Education Training (VET) student of the year Rachel Feltham.
Council crowned its VET student of the year on Thursday, September 28, with Balaklava High School student Rachel Feltham taking home the top honour.
Seven students were nominated for the awards recognising their efforts in either a school-based apprenticeship or a vocational education pathway, with a variety of skillsets on display.
Rachel was presented the award due to her drive and focus on school while completing her certificate III in education support at the Lyell McEwin Hospital School.
Not only was the panel impressed by Rachel’s studies, they were also surprised by her after school hobbies and workload which includes sky diving and training as an army cadet.
Rachel has excelled in both of these fields; she works on weekends at the Lower Light Sky Diving Centre and is a fully qualified sky diver with 40 jumps already under her belt. She has also worked her way up the ranks in Army Cadets to earn the role of Lance Corporal.
Council’s Community Wellbeing Officer Taryn Hall said Rachel’s numerous referees also gave glowing references to the year 11 student.
“Rachel’s future looks bright; she is mature, easy to talk to and is excelling in both her schooling and passions, her commitment to both is amazing.
Runners up for the evening were Balaklava High School’s Bella Pratt and Horizon Christian School’s Charlotte Lockwood, both students also gave excellent interviews and showed the amazing efforts they had undertaken in their courses as they work towards their future careers.
Balco Australia continues to work alongside Council to recognise the outstanding students who have excelled in VET courses or School Based Apprenticeships – shining a light on the great things that can be achieved through their studies
Mayor Reid presented the awards, highlighting in his speech the extra work and commitments the students had made while completing their courses.
Nominees for 2023
Nathan Driver - Certificate III in Christian Ministry and Theology
Riley Hannaford - Certificate III in Rural Operations
Rachel Feltham - Certificate III in Education Support
Alice McArdle - Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care.
Bella Pratt - Certificate III in Agriculture
Charlotte Lockwood - Certificate III in Christian Ministry and Theology
Gemma Tiller - Certificate III in Agriculture
Winner
Rachel Feltham - Certificate III in Education Support
Runners up
Charlotte Lockwood - Certificate III in Christian Ministry and Theology
Bella Pratt - Certificate III in Agriculture