By BRIDGET COOK
STUDENTS at Lyndhurst Secondary College made a pledge last week to make their dreams come true.
About 170 Year 10 students took part in the Beacon Foundation’s Pledge Ceremony on Wednesday 31 July, where they all signed their name on a pledge banner.
Making the pledge meant students were committing to participating in the Smart Futures Program – a Beacon Foundation initiative which aims to place every Year 10 student in further education, an apprenticeship, traineeship or full time employment by 31 March next year.
Lyndhurst Secondary College student pathways and careers adviser Sue Pulford said the ceremony was a formal one witnessed by students, teachers, the principal, Beacon personnel, parents and representatives from many local businesses and local government.
“The college hopes that our young people have the opportunity to enjoy the best possible future rather than go from school to unemployment,” she said.
“Making the pledge is a public statement, a public commitment that each student will consider all available options when moving from school.
“Hosting the event in the aftermath of the Year 10 work experience program and in the lead up to the 2014 course counselling process enables students to recognise that ongoing education is vital in terms of opening up the broadest range of post-school options.”
The theme of this year’s ceremony was ’Build the Dream’.
Two Lyndhurst Secondary College graduates spoke to the audience about their journey through school and beyond and how they have gone about achieving their dreams.
Fraser Carson spoke of his long time passion for ice hockey and outlined the dedication and commitment required to compete at the elite level and his plans to continue his studies in medicine and health.
Jake Wiley reminisced about his school years and the interest he had in architecture, design and visual communication while in Year 10. Jake told the audience how he went to tertiary studies and has now been offered an internship with a major design company.
The ceremony was organised mostly by a team of Beacon Student Leaders who accept the role as ambassador and undertake to plan the event.
Each student who made their pledge was presented with a slice of ceremonial cake and a certificate as a reminder of the commitment made.
