St Paul's Rising Star

St Paul's College, Kempsey educator Tess Meehan has been named a 2025 Rising Star for her outstanding work in student career development.

Congratulations to St Paul's College, Kempsey, Career Advisor Mrs 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.

‘This award is recognition of our incredible careers network and the support they provide me in the careers space. Careers and Pathways is an area full of challenges and uncertainty, especially as we prepare students for the jobs of the future. There's no greater reward than helping a young person navigate those unknowns. The trust and faith our students show in exploring their own paths is what makes this role so fulfilling,’ said Tess.

‘As an outstanding staff member at St Paul’s, Tess has been very successful in the Careers Adviser role at our school; she has extensive connections within the Macleay Valley, building effective partnerships with employers and organisations such as Kempsey Shire Council. Our 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 our students and builds trusted relationships with the staff, students and families within our school community, and Tess continues to make such a positive impact within the Macleay and Nambucca Valley communities,’ said Geoff Melville, Principal of St Paul’s College, Kempsey.

This well-deserved recognition celebrates the lasting impact of Tess’s work in empowering students to shape their futures confidently.