Eleven prizes will be presented to leading teacher education students at the Charles Sturt University (CSU) Faculty of Education graduation ceremony on Wednesday 17 December in Bathurst.

The Executive Dean of the CSU Faculty of Education, Professor Toni Downes, said, "It's wonderful that the Faculty is able to offer such a range of prizes which acknowledge and support the scholarly achievements of these very worthy students. Prizes are a tangible encouragement for them to continue their conscientious application to their studies and to support their career aspirations after they graduate. The Faculty is extremely proud of our students and the contribution they make to the education of young people, particularly in rural and regional Australia."

The ceremony begins at 9.30am and will see PhD candidate Dr Rachael Hutchesson receive her doctorate. Her thesis is titled 'Living the label: youth work, young people, being 'at risk' and community-based (arts/sports) programs'.

The thesis examines the ways in which the 'at risk' label is designated to, understood, and experienced by young people participating in rural NSW 'at risk' community-based (arts/sports) programs. The main findings highlight the ways policy and practice can encourage support and limit how these youth respond to being labelled, being in the program and more generally negotiate life. Implications for society and schooling include informing parents, teachers and government officials about the potential consequences of the 'at risk' label.

Dr Hutchesson will also receive the Faculty of Education Outstanding Thesis Prize.

Other Faculty of Education prizes and winners include:

School of Teacher Education Primary Courses Professional Experience Prize, and the Australian College of Educators New South Wales Branch Prize - Ms Janice Delarue

Primary Teaching Graduate Prize Presented by the Primary English Teaching Association Australia - Ms Amy Chewings

Rod Allan Prize in Primary Education - Ms Amy Munro

School of Teacher Education Secondary Courses Prize - Mr Michael Holmes

Central Western Branch of the Australian Federation of University Women of NSW Prize - Ms Julia Duff

School of Teacher Education Secondary Courses Professional Experience Prize – Ms Rachael Hogan

Bonham Professional Experience Prize - Ms Chiara Porter

Lionel Allen Award - Ms Rachel Ingram

CCSA Award - Ms Sashi Sharma