Celebrating a huge increase in Koorie students graduating year 12 are Koorie engagement support office representatives Terrylene Marks (left) and Kaylene McKinnon (right) with local students (from left) Sam Solomon, Namarra Walsh and Monique Towan.
Warragul And Drouin Gazette October 27 2015
A huge increase of Koorie students completing year 12 studies saw a celebration event at Drouin Secondary College recently.
In total, 145 Koorie students from across south eastern Victoria are expected to complete year 12 in 2015 – a 75 per cent increase on 2014 figures.
In 2014, 83 Koorie students from the region completed year 12.
More than 50 students from across the region, stretching from inner metro Melbourne to Orbost, attended the special celebration.
Indigenous Australian comedian Kevin Kropinyeri hosted the evening, while La Trobe University professor Mark Rose delivered an address encouraging students to continue their studies.
Department of Education and Training acting regional director for south east Victoria Karen Cain congratulated the students on their outstanding achievements and their educational journey enabling them to undertake year 12.
Koorie engagement support officer for south east Victoria Zoe Upton said the night was filled with promising future leaders of the community.
Drouin Secondary College students undertaking certificate two in hospitality were on hand to cater for the event, which included a three-course meal.
Naomi Fei from Hampton Park Secondary College and Cooper Corbett from Rosebud Secondary College were named female and male Koorie students from the region.
Naomi is planning on studying at university next year while Cooper plans to take a year off.
