They were the bright young things of their graduating years.
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Fearless, artistic, creative and smart.
But while their professions may differ, the backgrounds of David Harris, Behren Schulz and former politician Cheryl Kernot are tied to Maitland’s public school system.
And if opposition spokesman for education Ryan Park has his way, high profile people like the entertainer, filmmaker and former politician would return home to mentor the students of today.
As part of Education Week, Mr Park has called on the NSW government to establish an alumni program to offer students invaluable access to mentoring by former students.
“What I want to see is public schools – especially those in regional areas like Maitland – being able to establish more formal networks where an aspiring young engineer, actor, school teacher or doctor could make contact with past students who have gone on to achieve great things in their chosen field,” Mr Park said.
“We know that many of our prominent scientists, political leaders, actors, artists and researchers have graduated from one of our great local public schools.”
Award-winning entertainer David Harris was educated at Rutherford Technology High School, filmmaker Behren Schulz started school at Tenambit Public School, while former leader of the Democrats Cheryl Kernot was a student at Maitland Grossmann High School.
“Each and every year the public education system celebrates fantastic graduates who go on to have very successful careers,” Mr Park said.
“Unfortunately, these former students are, in many cases, not formally engaged with their old school in ways that can assist the next generation of leaders, entrepreneurs, trades people and professionals.
“I am suggesting a formal alumni program that utilises technology to enhance the links that young people have with those who have gone before them in areas they are interested in developing as a future career.”
Mr Park believed the experience and knowledge of former public school students could be an invaluable tool for teachers, careers advisors and principals to utilise in educating the next generation of students.
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