The next generation of industry leaders were recognised at the Northern Sydney Institute 2014 Excellence Awards on Thursday 12 June.
Institute Director, Alison Wood, presented awards acknowledging high achievers in 14 categories across the five Institute faculties.
“These students will be future leaders in their chosen industries and represent the best of the 50,000 students enrolled at the Institute each year,” said Ms Wood.
Ms Wood, along with Keith Gomes, Chair of the Institute Advisory Council, proudly awarded the trophy for overall student of the year to Christopher Butts who was the category winner for Tourism, Hospitality and Horticulture.
Mr Butts completed the Advanced Diploma of Hospitality at Ryde Campus and is now enrolled in the Bachelor of Business studies at Crows Nest Campus.
“It’s incredible to be named Student of the Year. The best part about it is being able to make everyone proud who has helped me along the way,” Mr Butts said.
“I hope to inspire other youth and want them to know that if you put your mind to it and you have enough passion and commitment, you can achieve anything.”
This year’s theme for the Excellence Awards event was “illuminate”, shining the spotlight on the Institute’s highest achievers who have a bright future ahead of them. This included recognising seven students who were named on the Charles Sturt University Executive Dean’s list for their exceptional academic performance. These students study degree programs at the Northern Sydney Institute which are delivered on behalf of the university.
The event was held at Ryde Campus, the largest hospitality training facility in the southern hemisphere. It was an opportunity to showcase the talent and creativity of the Institute’s event management, floristry, commercial cookery and hospitality students who played an integral part in making the Excellence Awards event a success.
“It’s testament to our hands-on approach that we are holding this event in a living classroom. At the Northern Sydney Institute we aim to unlock the potential of our students and empower each and every learner,” said Ms Wood.
“We congratulate all our winners and wish them every success in the future.”
The Northern Sydney Institute 2014 Excellence Award Winners
Northern Sydney Institute 2014 Student of the Year
Christopher Butts
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year
Graham Avery – Ryde Campus
Apprentice Student of the Year (joint winners)
Joshua Mason – Ryde Campus
Luke Piccolo – Northern Beaches Campus
Aspirational Student of the Year
Ryan Stibbard – Ryde Campus
Construction and Engineering Student of the Year
Joost de Greef – St Leonards Campus
Foundation Education Student of the Year
Riko Yaezaki – Meadowbank and Crows Nest Campus
Health and Community Services Student of the Year
James Watson – St Leonards Campus
Higher Education Student of the Year
Madeline Pryor – Crows Nest Campus
International Student of the Year
Brener Barone – Northern Beaches Campus
IT, Media & Business Student of the Year
Karina Baines – Northern Beaches Campus
TAFE Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Student of the Year
Max Wang – Meadowbank Campus
Tourism, Hospitality & Horticulture Student of the Year
Christopher Butts – Ryde Campus
Traineeships Student of the Year
Jade Paget – Crows Nest Campus
HSC Pathways Student of the Year
Sophie Braude – Bradfield Senior College
Sustainability Student of the Year
Vaughan Telfer – Ryde Campus
Major Sponsors for the Northern Sydney Excellence Awards
Silver sponsors:
Fuji Xerox, Only About Children, Northern Sydney Institute Campus Student Associations
Bronze sponsors:
State Training Services, De Bortoli Wines