By BRIDGET COOK
A GROUP of Hampton Park Secondary College students made a pledge to make smart decisions for their future this month.
Year 10 students committed to the Smart Futures – No Dole program by the Beacon Foundation on Thursday 5 June.
At a formal ceremony, students signed a banner pledging they would be in further education, an apprenticeship, traineeship or full time employment next year.
Pauline Thomson, part of the school’s careers team, said signing the pledge board meant students made a commitment to further education.
“It is designed to encourage students to make informed choices for their future and to encompass a positive attitude,” she said.
“The Beacon Foundation Smart Futures – No Dole program promotes and inspires students to stay in school or take positive steps towards skill development and training to enable further education or employment.”
Ms Thomson said the ceremony also included an address from the principal, an entertaining talk from a guest speaker and performances from students.
“Our guest speaker was Sam Bramham, one of the youngest Australian competitors at the 2004 Paralympics,” she said.
“The year 10 students also enjoyed two year nine band performances playing Where is The Love and I’m Yours.
“Students who attended the signing received a cupcake in the school colours at the end of the event, and a large cake was cut by the Beacon Foundation representative Rosie Brown and enjoyed by guests.”
