Deputy principal Sue Francisco extended a warm welcome to the near-capacity audience and commended the students on their academic efforts and ongoing preparations for adult life.

The Year 12 group, through school captain Rhys Power, thanked their teachers for the tuition and support during their final year of class.

On return from their current two week vacation, the 28 students will prepare for the 2009 High School Certificate which begins on Tuesday October 20 with Business Studies followed by English.

During Friday’s Year 12 celebrations, outstanding academic achievement, merit certificates and sporting awards were presented.

Nikolah Best, Mikaela Smith, Katherine Betts and Wade Smith gained outstanding academic achievement awards while merit certificates were presented to Jaimee Cohen, Mathew Shepherd, Alix Schaefer, Jada Parisi, Pollee Prendergast, Scott Evans, Zoe Semmler and Ryan Halliger.

Recipients of Year 12 awards for progress and application were Kati Manns, Zoe Semmler, Pollee Prendergast, Travis Dunlevy, Mikaela Smith, Jada Parisi, Laura Hardin-Harpley, Ryan Halliger, Demi Robinson, Steven Martin, Nikolah Best and Scott Evans.

Department of Education and Training awards went to Rhys Power (construction), Jada Parisi (hospitality), Alix Schaefer (retail) and Travis Dunlevy (metal and engineering plus sports coaching).

Outstanding young sportsperson Jaimee Cohen was named swimming age champion (17 plus) and Western Region Representative swimmer.

Talented athlete and footballer Tristan Everett was honoured with the athletics age champion award.