Winner – Erika Honey
Bachelor of Fashion Design
Erika discovered her love for sewing at an early age, seeing clothes as a form of self-expression.
At age 35, Erika realised that clothes, specifically patternmaking, could be a career and enrolled in our Certificate IV course, followed by our Bachelor of Fashion Design.
She grasped every opportunity that came her way, representing Holmesglen at the 2022 Melbourne Fashion Week Student Runway. With only 40 places available across five education institutions, selection was very competitive. Together with her success, as the ‘elder’ in her group, she mentored and supported others, making sure nobody was left behind during the demanding course.
Erika lives with dyslexia and has overcome the obstacles of accessing higher education through determination and the support of Holmesglen’s Student Wellbeing services.
Watch the video and hear from our finalists.
Finalist - Millicent Holland
Bachelor of Nursing
A career-changer and self-confessed ‘chatterbox’, Millie was so passionate about becoming a nurse that she left her hometown and close-knit family in Newcastle to study at Holmesglen.
Millie has excelled in her studies. She is always prepared when she comes to class, is an active participant and has a commendable ability to put theory into practice.
Students and staff alike note Millie’s warm respect, helpfulness and positive outlook.
Incredibly humble, Millie told our judges that she was “surprised” by her nomination and says “Holmesglen changed my life” even though her wonderful accomplishments are really hers alone.
During the pandemic for instance, Millie was selected among a handful of our top learners for a prestigious Fellowship with the renowned Epworth Hospital in Richmond.
Finalist - Noah Leipold
Bachelor of Sports Media
Noah is a remarkable learner who did not allow the COVID-19 lockdowns or remote learning to affect his studies, consistently earning distinction and high distinction grades during his degree.
He showed an unwavering commitment to his studies, maintaining an excellent attendance record and dedicating himself to success across both academic and practical assessments.
Noah's impressive track record has been strengthened by his voluntary work with AusCycling and internship with Motorsport Australia.
“He seems to bring out the best in those around him. This is again further supported by the feedback he received from his internship partner, who gave him the highest marks for this, and made a particular point about Noah's ability to integrate into the media team and staff at Motorsport Australia,” says lecturer, Davin Sgargetta.
Award photo gallery
