Secondary school student of the year finalists
Jordi Beere
VCE Vocational Major (Certificate II in Electrotechnology)
After struggling with traditional schooling, Jordi found her path, completing the VCE Vocational Major and Certificate II in Electrotechnology. This experience drastically changed her life
As the only female in her class for two years, she led by example, ensuring her team met high standards in their work and that her classmates maintained PPE safety.
Her commitment to others shone during a community intergenerational project, ‘Songs for You’. When her elderly project partner passed away, Jordi finished the work in his honour and provided emotional support to his widow.
Jordi’s dedication to learning earned her a Peninsula Applied Learning Excellence Award nomination.
She is now pursuing a job or apprenticeship, and hopes for a career working with air conditioning, refrigeration or elevators.
Amy Bennett
VCE Vocational Major (Certificate II in Hospitality)
After a school hospitality course sparked her interest, Amy enrolled in the VCE Vocational Major and Certificate II in Hospitality at Chisholm. She evolved from a reserved student, nervous when speaking with customers, to a confident leader, managing events.
Her teachers praise Amy’s ability to work under pressure and maintain high standards in presentation and cleanliness – skills integral to hospitality. At work, she is known for her initiative, often sharing ideas for improvements to equipment and processes.
Winner of the FMPLLEN Applied Learning Excellence Award, Amy is committed to sustainability in hospitality, focusing on coffee waste and recycling.
Now enrolled in the Certificate III in Hospitality, Amy plans to receive her Responsible Service of Alcohol and enter the wine industry.
Sethuki Devamitta
VETDSS - Certificate III in Health Service Assistance
Sethuki enrolled in the Certificate III in Health Service Assistance after her interest in healthcare was fuelled by a VCE subject.
She was a keen class contributor with excellent performance in theory and clinical bedside manner. Sethuki enjoyed working with mannequins that breathe, blink and have heart rates. This helped her learn how to measure vital signs.
Beyond the classroom, Sethuki has dedicated five years to the Australian Air Force Cadets and remains a committed community volunteer. These experiences have shaped her resilience and ability to connect with diverse groups of people.
Currently pursuing a degree in paramedicine, she wants to be an Air Force doctor. She hopes to combine her medical expertise with humanitarian work and help people in lower socioeconomic demographics.
Monica Galban
VETDSS - Certificate II in Engineering Studies
Monica’s journey into engineering began with no experience and a steep learning curve. During the VET and Certificate II in Engineering Studies, she mastered complex workshop tools and welding.
Her studies showed Monica a new lens on the world, giving her a greater appreciation of how things are made. This now informs her keen interest in structural design.
Winning Weld Australia’s Secondary School Student of the Year 2025 and being selected as a WorldSkills Victoria AR Welding competitor are testaments to Monica’s work ethic and skills. She is determined to represent and inspire future female welders in a male-dominated field, by sharing her positive experience.
Following her passion for design, Monica is now studying a degree in architecture.
Tom Street
VETDSS - Certificate II in Furnishing
For Tom, enrolling at Chisholm was a "turning point" that gave him direction and the confidence to pursue his goals.
While studying the Certificate II in Furnishing, Tom mastered complex problem-solving by building a custom wooden chair. A project that taught him to turn setbacks into tangible results.
Tom brings the same discipline to his community. Whether he is representing Victoria in volleyball, coaching volleyball or volunteering at a local lifesaving club.
His teachers highlight Tom’s respectful nature and his willingness to support his peers. These fundamental skills now support his long-term ambition. Tom plans to pursue a degree in architecture, focusing on sustainable and cost-effective housing construction.