Cadence scoops Moira Shire's highest youth honour at Australia Day Awards

During the summer holidays, Year student and School Captain Caden Pang had the privilege of being nam the Moira Shire Young Citizen of th Year at the Shire’s Australia Day Aw Ceremony at Cobram Civic Centre

Cadence told the Crier that she wa slightly taken aback on the day afte hearing her name read out as the winner.

“There was definitely a bit of shock wasn’t really expecting it honestly, was such an honour I was very gra to be the recipient of the award,” Cadence said

Cadence continues a great traditio Cobram AGS students winning this award; a symbolic nod to the continued commitment of our students when it comes to upholding the school’s core values of Integrity, Endeavour and Community

Cadence was recognised for her excellent work in the community which includes volunteering at the Irvin House aged care facility once a week, while she has also been involved with significant fundraising efforts for Cobram Fire Station and has assisted with catering and service at several school initiatives and community events such as our Open Night and the Cobram Antique Fair last year

Cadence told the Crier that she decided to apply for the award after seeing an advertisement inviting nominations She described it as a straightforward process and encouraged other students to consider applying next year

“I basically just submitted all my achievements and community involvements. I saw the award category being advertised and my mum actually encouraged me to apply and told me I had nothing to lose so I have her to thank really "

While the award is obviously great external recognition for her efforts within the community and at school, Cadence said it would help add extra merit and substance to her professional resume which will be beneficial when she begins the process of applying for universities and then employment down the track

Cadence has steadily been adding academic and community achievements to her resume throughout her secondary school journey

Cadence has regularly sat ICAS assessments and competed in public speaking competitions She believes challenging herself in these endeavours are invaluable experiences that help not only her schooling, but her general confidence

Hollie gets an unexpected surprise from La Trobe University

Year 12 student Hollie Percy has excitingly received an early offer from La Trobe University Shepparton to study a Diploma of Teacher Education

A Diploma of Teacher Education is basically the first year of a bachelor degree, meaning Hollie can transition directly into the second year of a Bachelor of Education with full credit if she decides to pursue that pathway

Considering it is still so early in the year, Hollie is unsure if she will accept the offer or not but she told the Crier that La Trobe is certainly one of her first preferences

In many ways, this is a compelling opportunity for Hollie as she has always held a passion for helping others and children especially.

If she decides to pursue a career in teaching, Hollie would ideally like to work in a rural area having grown up in Cobram

One of the great benefits of undertaking a Diploma of Teacher Education is that it offers the individual great flexibility and the opportunity to progress into either a Bachelor of Education (Primary), Bachelor of Education (Secondary) or Bachelor of Early Childhood

At this stage, Hollie is leaning towards primary teaching having been heavily influenced by her mother Marese

“My mum works as a primary school teacher at St Joseph’s in Cobram and she inspires me with how she helps her students every day,” Hollie said.

Hollie also expressed her fascination with the study of child development and psychology Her VCE subjects are English, General Maths, Health and Human Development, Psychology and Food Technology, noting that her favourite subject is Psychology with Mrs Roache

"I’m really interested in children's psychology Looking at how kids develop is something that I find really interesting,” Hollie told the Crier

With universities bringing forward their early offers this year, Hollie encouraged her fellow Year 12 classmates to consider applying, saying “there’s no harm in trying” and pointing to the fact she was unsure if she was going to get a formal offer from La Trobe but decided to apply anyway. She added that students shouldn’t be deterred by having to go through the application process

“Jade (Careers Advisor) explained the form to me and I just had to fill it in and also provide a signed letter from one of my teachers It was a really easy process,” Hollie reflected