November 15, 2006 – Avondale Connections

Braden Oliver and Janita Bond were the big winners at the academic awards forum on Avondale College’s Lake Macquarie campus this past Wednesday (November 8). Mr Oliver and Ms Bond each received the largest monetary award, the $2,000 Avondale Foundation Award of Excellence.

Mr Oliver, a fourth-year student, also received awards of excellence in science ($600) and secondary education ($750). Foundation president Dr Norm Young, who presented the award, suggested that because Mr Oliver had earned so much money, he should “invest it, in the foundation.” “I’m blown away,” says Mr Oliver. “I was hoping for a science award, but the other two are completely unexpected.” He is please the awards are for more than just academic excellence, saying it reflects well on the college’s holistic approach to education.

Ms Bond, who is in the first year of her Bachelor of Teaching (secondary) degree, attended the first half of forum, but then told herself, “I’m not needed here.” She was labelling bottles in the chemistry lab where she works as an assistant when foundation general manager Greg Meddick announced her name.

Ms Bond is volunteering at Helen Hall’s Eden Valley Academy in Thailand next year. She and friend Michelle Long personally approached Ms Hall about the positions, which means they are covering their own expenses. Ms Bond is also a member of the Cambodia mission trip tem. The award has helped cover all the costs of both trips.

A violin duet by students Luisiana and Sarah Fischer received the largest round of applause.

Their rendition of Pablo de Sarasate’s “Navarra” earned praise from president Dr John Cox. “To play Sarasate as Sarasate intended, you not only have to be an outstanding musician, you have to be a performer. The Fischer sisters are certainly that.”

Tammy Pannekoek won the first-ever Huguenot History Award of Excellence ($1,000). She received it from the president of the Huguenot Society of Australia, Dr David Buchesne. The award is sponsored by royalties from the sale of the book, The French pilot, by former assistant to the president (advancement) Dr Allan Steele. Dr Steele, a direct descendant of Huguenot refugees Andre and Suzanne Lamoureaux, tells their story in the book.

Madelyne Hodges won two awards, the Avondale Alumni Association’s Community Service Award ($1,000) and one of the Primary English Teaching Graduate Prizes.  Clansi Roy won the first-ever W A Townend Award for Biblical Christian Journalism ($500).

Brenton Stacey