17 October 2013 - Ms. Cherry Bo Fernandez, a 20-year-old Filipino student from Cebu who is currently studying in New South Wales (NSW), was recognized as one of the 13 finalists for the NSW International Student of the Year Award in a ceremony at the iconic Sydney Opera House on October 10.
According to NSW Deputy Premier and Minister for Trade and Investment Andrew Stoner, the guest of honor at the ceremony, “Through these Awards, NSW publicly recognises the contributions that international students make to their fellow students, their educational institutions and the wider community. These talented students have all shown great commitment to supporting other students, developing a range of initiatives from anti-bullying and mentoring campaigns to advocating for international students at their institutions and nationally.”
Ms. Fernandez is one of 13 finalists from 11 countries representing a range of educational sectors, including higher education, vocational education and training, schools and English language program. Of the 13 finalists, Mr. Tong Sheng Ch’ng of Malaysia won the award for Higher Education, Mr. Joseph Park of South Korea won the award for Vocational Education and Training (VET), Mr. Junxi Tian and Ms. Yuhan Yang of China won the award at the Secondary School Level and Ms. Leticia Luiz of Brazil won the award for English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students (ELICOS).
Ms. Fernandez is currently a Year 12 student of Casula High School in the suburb of Casula 25 kilometers southwest of Sydney.
Ms. Jennifer Fletcher, Principal of Casula High School, said that Ms. Fernandez was voted by the school’s 600-member student body as Vice-Captain for her outstanding leadership and for her willingness to listen and to take initiative. She also represented her school in several conferences and seminars for young women leaders, donated blood, and helped organize fundraising activities for charitable causes such as Legacy Day, Bandaged Bear Breakfast and Jeans for Genes Day. She also gives up two hours of her time each week to help primary school students learn how to read. Ms. Fletcher said that Ms. Fernandez is a credit to her school, to the community, and to her country, the Philippines.
When asked about her reaction to being a finalist for the award, Ms. Fernandez said that she was surprised to be nominated and that she is only interested in helping others. She said that her parents in Cebu were thrilled to learn of her achievement. Ms. Fernandez is staying with the family of Filipino-Australian Ms. Jean Wagas Perez, also from Cebu, who is her guardian while she is completing her secondary education in NSW.
Consul Marford Angeles congratulated Ms. Fernandez for making not only her family, but all Filipinos in NSW proud. He said that by exercising her leadership skills in school and by sharing her time and skills with the community, Ms. Fernandez is an excellent example to the Filipino youth.
Ms. Ewa Hsu, Policy Officer of Study NSW, said that with 72,000 international students, the State of NSW commends exemplary students such as Ms. Fernandez to highlight their achievements and to encourage others to emulate them. END