Former local Debbie Clark has received a prestigious award for her role in education.
She was awarded the Minister’s and Secretary’s Award for Excellence at a formal evening in Sydney.
Debbie is the daughter of Pollie and Adrian Fisher of Jerilderie, and was educated at St Joseph’s Primary School Jerilderie and graduated from Finley High School in 1991.
Now based in Wagga with her family, she was one of 20 teachers recognised from among the 170,000 in NSW for dedication to her students and their involvement in the general community.
Debbie encourages her Wagga Wagga High School students to be involved in community service; for example, cooking for Carevan, a program that cooks and delivers food for those in need.
She also coordinated the World’s Greatest Shave fundraising event at her school this year, raising more than $6000. MND is also on the fundraising list.
Debbie facilitates pop-up cafes run by students for Harmony Day, school carnivals, and local food and wine festivals.
She has delivered Technology Mandatory Residential Schools for Charles Sturt University, mentoring more than 500 university students.
Over the past decade Debbie has spearheaded the development of her school’s student-run café, initially designed to support non-English speaking students to improve employment skills.
The café operates daily and offers students extensive hands-on learning opportunities, from planning and preparing to serving, and fostering essential problem solving and decision making skills.
Debbie consistently organises cultural celebrations and cooking-themed days, where students cook and share dishes from their respective cultures.
She has liaised for many years with local hospitality venues, and has organised visits from local baristas, including an ex-student, to enhance skills for both teachers and students.
The cafe exclusively sources from local suppliers, strengthening community connections.
As a Year 12 advisor, Debbie has also collaborated with many health professionals to improve mental health support for her students.
For the past five years, as an integral member of the school’s wellbeing team, she has also contributed to the Year 10 Enrichment Program and been part of the HSC marking team.
Debbie was honoured to be recognised for her achievements, but believes she is just doing her job; a job that despite many exhausting days, she believes to be one of the most rewarding.