The outstanding achievements of 117 students from TAFE NSW Grafton were recently celebrated at the TAFE NSW Grafton 70^th annual Student Awards of Excellence, held at South Grafton Ex-Servicemen’s Club on Monday 5 March.  The students were presented with award certificates and prizes in front of an audience of 275, which included family, friends, teachers and employers. Marie Larkings, TAFE NSW Acting Regional General Manager, said that it was always great to celebrate students’ successes and acknowledge that they are making a real contribution to the economy and prosperity of our region. “It’s evident from the commitment and high level of achievements shown that TAFE NSW was definitely ‘a plan A’ for the students,” said Mrs Larkings. “I’m totally confident that a TAFE NSW qualification equips them with practical and relevant skills, valuable work experience and ready to take advantage of the thousands of employer connections we have regionally and across the state.” Major winners at the Student Awards ceremony were:

• Gold Award (winner), Nathan Thompson, Certificate III in Barbering
• Gold Award (finalist), Melissa Hurley, Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing)
• Gold Award (finalist), Dylan Piromalli, Certificate III in Aquaculture
• Tim Whitehead Memorial Award, Matthew Keppie, Certificate III in Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration
• Amanda Pateman Memorial Award, Wesley Chegwidden, Certificate III in Music Industry
• Award for Cultural Contribution to Campus Community, students of the Adult Migrant English Program