The Southern Cross Young Achiever Awards ceremony was held at Wrest Point in Hobart on 6 April and three UTAS Faculty of Education graduates were recognised.
The awards are offered in several categories and the UTAS Faculty of Education is the sponsor of the Teaching Excellence Award.
The Finalist List for the Teaching Excellence Award were: Kate Longey, Nicole Radin, and Lauren Shephard. Each of these finalists had not only demonstrated classroom excellence they also had been involved in a range of activities that made a significant and sustained positive difference in the wider community. All three spoke affectionately about their time at UTAS and the experience they had while completing their degree.
There could only be one winner and the judges chose Kate Longey, 28 of Acton Park.
Kate works closely with the refugee community teaching English. She worked as a Youth Pathways Advisor for Colony 47 before moving to Dominic College in 2010 to construct a pilot program for disengaged students called The Magone Program. In 2012, Kate was asked by the Principal to step into the role of Lead Teacher for the program. Kate is also responsible for implementing the “Rock and Water” Program, designed to teach young people safety, integrity, solidarity, self control, self confidence and self respect. Last year, the full time student numbers increased by 29% and retention of students within the program has increased by 17%.
Kate received her award from the Dean of Education at UTAS, Professor John Williamson. As well at the trophy, Kate received $2,000 and a holiday for two.
Around 300 people attended the ceremony including the Hon Lara Giddings, MP, Premier of Tasmania, who is the Patron of the Awards, and Mr David O'Byrne, MP.
Dr Clare Smith was announced by Premier Lara Giddings as the 2013 Premier’s Young Achiever of the Year for Tasmania.
The eight category winners are:
• Meg Good, 25 of GLENORCHY – First National Real Estate Leadership and Innovation Award
• Dr Clare Smith, 27 of DROMEDARY – TEMCO Science and Technology Award
• Emily Pickett, 17 of MORIARTY - Mat Goggin Foundation Entrepreneurship Award
• Fernando do Campo, 26 of NEWSTEAD – Bokprint Arts Award
• Kate Longey, 28 of ACTON PARK – UTAS Faculty of Education Teaching Excellence Award
• Emma Flukes, 24 of LINDISFARNE – Hydro Tasmania Environment Award
• Maja Veit, 25 of SOUTH HOBART – O Group Trade and Enterprise Achievement Award
• Jack Beardsley, 23 of FERN TREE – Heather and Christopher Chong Community Service Award
Nominations for the 2013 Young Achiever Awards open in September.
For further information go to www.awardsaustralia.com
Image: UTAS Dean of Education, Professor John Williamson with award winner Kate Longey.