A STAFF member of Bushey Hall School was awarded the most prestigious accolade available in the field of administration last week.

Administrations manager Mrs Melissa Hawes was showered with praise from fellow colleagues on Thursday, July 19, as she collected the medal of excellence at a City and Guilds presentation evening in Leeds, following successful completion of the NVQ in Administrations.

Mrs Hawes, who originally joined the school in London Road, Bushey nine years ago, is the only person in Hertfordshire to receive the medal of excellence.

The award is presented to candidates who not only meet but exceed the expectations and criteria laid down by examiners.

A Cambridge graduate, born and brought up in Colorado, Mrs Hawes was first employed as PA to the head in 1992.

Her thirst for knowledge, and passion for communication and administration, led to her promotion as administrations manager just 12 months later, after the school announced it was to be Grant Maintained.

Mrs Hawes, a former History teacher and mother of two who instigated her own entrance onto the vocational course four years ago, said: "On first starting the course, co-ordinators said I'd do well to reach level two and that level four was unheard of, which made me even more determined to go further."

In not only meeting but exceeding the criteria for level four, Mrs Hawes was delighted last month following news that she would be one of 170 candidates throughout the country to be awarded an official medal of excellence.

Mrs Hawes, who has already began implementing the core skills she has developed within the school's clerical department, said: "I'm very proud to have received this award not only for myself but also on behalf of the school.

"Bushey Hall is a fantastic School where all members of staff work towards one main goal, to ensure that all pupils are presented with the best opportunities to develop and further their education."

July 27, 2001 10:22

Victoria Dillingham