Hayley Anderson won the Courtney Park Memorial Youth of the Year Award. Majah Park, Courtney’s mother, presented a plaque in honour of her daughter.By Callan Date
NARRE Community Learning Centre celebrated its high achievers at their annual awards ceremony at the centre’s Malcolm Court headquarters last week.
Several students, volunteers and tutors were recognised with awards for their hard work and dedication over the past year during the event that coincided with Adult Learners’ Week.
Hayley Anderson, 17, received the Courtney Park Memorial Youth Award for her commitment in completing her intermediate VCAL certificate.
“I found it very stressful going into the VCE so I found an alternative,” Hayley said.
The teenager said she had thrived within the environment at NCLC and was grateful to the tutors who were so supportive.
“I love every minute of it here,” Hayley said.
Her award was named in honour of Courtney Park.
Ms Park, 17, died in 2006 after suffering an asthma attack.
The Cranbourne student aspired to be a nurse and was connected with NCLC through her mother Marja.
Other award winners include Mature Age Achiever of the Year Marion Culpan, Volunteer of the Year Peter Wilson, Learner the Year Ron Skurrie, Literacy Award winner Wayne De Ruiter and Tutor of the Year Fay Cornish.
Ms Cornish was rewarded for her passion in teaching and more than 20 years of service at NCLC.
The Group of the Year was taken out by the senior VCAL class.
