Hayley Cook, who graduated from Port Macquarie High School in 2011, has been recognised nationally for outstanding commitment and achievement in vocational education and training.
The Australian Vocational Student Prize includes a certificate and cheque for $2000 and is a highly competitive award, with a limited number of recipients nationally.
Hayley was nominated for this award by Port Macquarie High School due to her strong commitment to vocational education.
As part of her HSC studies, Hayley completed Certificate III in Aged Care Work (Community Services) and a school-based traineeship with Bundaleer Care Services, Wauchope.
“Hayley is an outstanding role model as a very focused, diligent and engaged student, with compassion and strong values, highly motivated by her future goals,” her teacher Judith Cowan said.
“Hayley was commended for her dedication, hard work, high level of enthusiasm, desire to extend her capabilities and the outstanding knowledge and skills she has developed.”
Hayley’s employer described Hayley as “An exceptional Aged Care School Based Trainee who displays a very high level of aptitude, maturity, professionalism and efficiency. As a very diligent trainee, Hayley stands out within our organisation, always working conscientiously to the best of her ability, exceeding work expectations of our host employer, undertaking additional shifts and excelling in her studies.”
Hayley has become an ambassador for the traineeship program, attending forums, providing advice and mentoring students.
Hayley also showed leadership, teamwork, initiative and enterprise with her involvement in a number of school, community and sporting commitments including debating, anti-poverty group, Surf Life Saving, cross country, soccer, volleyball and swimming.
Hayley was congratulated on her great achievement at the weekly school assembly where students and staff wished her a wonderful, rewarding and successful future as she completes her studies in a Bachelor of Nursing degree at University.
