By BRIDGET SCOTT
A PAKENHAM resident, who was described as an excellent role model, was “quite shocked” when she was announced the Student of the Year for Community College Gippsland (CCG).
Shannon Campbell-Woodlock celebrated after she was presented with the award at a ceremony on 28 April.
The 17-year-old left school and undertook a Certificate in General Education for Adults at Community College Gippsland’s Pakenham campus.
Following this, she completed a Certificate III in Children’s Services.
Shannon said a highlight of her course was the placement opportunities she had.
“The stories the kids would tell you were very entertaining,” she said.
The Pakenham resident said was not expecting the award and was surprised when she was announced as the winner.
“I was quite shocked,” she said.
Shannon said she stepped into the course after relatives suggested she did something that involved children.
CCG board deputy chairman Des Williams presented the student with her award and said she was an excellent role model and highlighted what people could achieve with support and encouragement.
“Shannon has not only built her skills and employability, she has built her confidence and self-worth,” Mr Williams said.
Shannon was among 374 students to graduate from the Pakenham and Warragul campuses.
The CCG campus has now moved into its new purpose-built community centre in the former Outlook Community Centre in Toomuc Valley Road.
The school can now run more courses to meet the growing education and training needs of Pakenham and district.
It has also established a new hair training salon at the Pakenham campus for students to train in certificate to diploma level study.
The training salon will open to the public in the near future to give students an opportunity to work with real clientele.
Community College Gippsland (CCG) is a not-for-profit adult education and training provider that has been delivering programs in Gippsland for 40 years.
For more information on CCG visit www.ccg.asn.au or phone 5622 6000.