Teen overcomes adversity to win gong

A Busselton High School student was recognised for her outstanding achievements in the SMYL Aboriginal School Based Traineeship Program at an award ceremony in Fremantle last month.

Over the past year, Shianne Hann, 17, completed a Certificate II in Community Services, working with various mentors and local businesses during her training.

Shianne’s field officer Nicole Porteous said the student overcame significant barriers to complete the certification, turning her life around and rising above adversity. “She’s not a quitter, that’s for sure,” Ms Porteous told the Times.

“Shianne’s a really positive example of how youth can turn a bad situation into something good if they apply themselves.”

Shianne said support from SMYL mentors and Geotraining staff, such as youth co-ordinator Deanne Shade, helped her complete the certificate.

“It was definitely a big surprise to win the outstanding achievement award,” she said.

“I knew I’d put in a lot of hard work but didn’t think I’d win.

“When I heard my name at the ceremony, I was just about to burst into happy tears.”

The SMYL program was established to assist disadvantaged youth in the South West, offering training programs and mentoring throughout their schooling.