SCHOOL chaplain Leonie Whisson encouraged students to value learning after winning a vocational student of the year award from Central Regional Tafe.
The York District High School and Wundowie Primary School chaplain completed a Certificate IV in Community Services supported by YouthCARE and was subsequently nominated for the award.
Mrs Whisson (62) said the recognition was a pleasant surprise.
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READ NOW“Having been a very ‘average’ student at school mostly through lack of interest and application, it was a great surprise and thrill to receive the Tafe award,” she said.
“I have been able to use it to encourage some students at my school by explaining how exciting it is to find your passion in life and how learning about it becomes so much more interesting.”
She discovered her enjoyment of learning as an adult.
“I am blessed to have a job I am passionate about and hope to continue learning for many years to come,” she said.
Course facilitator James Paxman said Leonie had grown and was able to use her newfound confidence in her skills through continuing to apply herself as a cluster chaplain in the Wheatbelt.
“During her study, Leonie impressed with her natural leadership style, which translated into an easy-going manner with a strong commitment to chaplaincy and upholding the professional standards required of YouthCARE chaplains,” he said.
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