THE cream of Cairns' student writers were yesterday recognised for their achievements in 2012 at the annual The Cairns Post Newspapers in Education Post-Ed Awards.

Held at TAFE's Tropics Restaurant, the event attracted more than 100 students, teachers, family members and sponsors with prizes awarded in news, features, opinion, book reviews and photographs.

Bentley Park College students Raijieli Rokocibi and Cat Cumti, took out junior and senior reporters of the year respectively.

"I have a big imagination, so that's what helps," Raijieli said.

Both girls hope to eventually pursue careers in food journalism and photography.

The Cairns Post editor Neil Melloy said he was impressed by the quality of stories at the awards.

"The front pages created by students showed real flair and ability with a strong nose for news," he said.

"The turnout showed the passion that schools and students of the region have for reporting for newspapers.

"They love seeing their news in print."

Mr Melloy said he hoped students could use Post-Ed as a stepping stone to take "their curious nature and skill for writing, taking photos and reporting" and pursue a career in journalism.

"Post-Ed is integral to the success of The Cairns Post," he said.

The awards also marked 10 years for the popular liftout, with inaugural NiE co-ordinator Margaret Ashworth reflecting on a decade at the helm of Post-Ed.

"I still remember the very first meeting I had with those wonderful teachers in the boardroom of Cairns High," Ms Ashworth said.

"For 10 years, those people are there every week making their kids write stories, encouraging them to read newspapers, doing all the right things by the community and schools.

"I just don't know how to thank those people."

In one of the lighter moments at the awards, several teachers also joined together in song and dance to mark the special occasion

 

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