NSW Rising Star Award
Congratulations to St Paul's Leader of the World of Work and Careers Literacy, Ms Tess Meehan, who has been named the 2025 Rising Star by the NSW Careers Advisers Association in recognition of her innovative and student-centred approach to career development. This prestigious award highlights Tess's passion and commitment to creating real pathways for all students, especially those in rural communities. Tess has significantly expanded access to diverse and meaningful opportunities through strategic partnerships and forward-thinking curriculum design. Her work has led to outstanding results, including a sharp rise in work experience participation and a notable increase in SBAT uptake.
Tess is an outstanding staff member at St Paul’s and has been very successful in the Careers Adviser role at the College; she has extensive connections within the Macleay Valley, building effective partnerships with employers and organisations such as Kempsey Shire Council. The students have greatly benefitted from these community connections, leading to full-time employment, School-Based Apprenticeships and Traineeships and a vibrant work experience program for our Year 10 cohort. Tess greatly cares for the students and builds trusted relationships with the staff, students and families within our College community, and she continues to make a positive impact within the Macleay and Nambucca Valley communities.
This well-deserved recognition celebrates the lasting impact of Tess’s work in empowering students to shape their futures confidently.