11 March 2014- Ms. Cherry Bo Fernandez, a Filipino international student who recently graduated from Year 12 at the Casula High School in New South Wales (NSW), Australia, won over 23 other international students who were nominated by their teachers for the 2014 NSW School Service Award. She received a certificate and AUD1,000 cash prize from Her Excellency Marie Bashir AC CVO, Governor of NSW, during the awards ceremony held at the NSW Parliament House last February 25.

Organized by the NSW Department of Education and Communities, the Award is given in recognition of an international student’s outstanding participation in school activities as well as volunteer work for the school and the local community.

During the ceremony, Ms. Fernandez’s achievements were recognized including her contributions as school Vice-Captain. She ran school assemblies and organized and presented the school’s ANZAC Day ceremonies. She was also involved in a leadership program and conference, a mentoring workshop, and an International Women’s Day celebration. She volunteered at a local primary school reading program, athletic carnivals and international days.  She also undertook charity activities that included blood donations. After graduation, she returned to her school to organize a fundraising event in aid of the victims of Typhoon Yolanda in the Philippines.

On the same occasion, deserving international students were recognized for their academic achievement. The 2014 NSW Academic Achievement Award was presented to Ms. Xi (Hallie) Yang.
 

Consul General Anne Jalando-on Louis congratulated Ms. Fernandez on the recognition she received from the NSW Government and wished her success as she pursues a University degree. Consul General Louis encouraged Ms. Fernandez to continue her volunteer work and service to the community, whether it be in Australia or in her hometown in Cebu.

Ms. Fernandez was also a finalist last year for the NSW International Student of the Year Award. END