Staff members Laurie Clifford and Adam Ryan were presented with their academic awards in front of hundreds of fellow graduates and their families.

Ms Clifford was one of seven graduates to receive a Graduate Diploma of Inclusive Education.

The 31-year-old, who completed her primary education degree in 2001, began working casually at Carenne School in 2007.

She returned to the books after developing a strong interest for teaching children with special needs, and has since been employed in a full-time capacity.

“I have a senior primary/ junior high school class,” she said. “The best part of my job is working with the students and their families to give them greater independence.

“I’m lucky to work with great staff as well.”

Ms Clifford said her postgraduate studies had given her greater skills, which she hopes will benefit her students.

Like Ms Clifford, teacher’s aid Adam Ryan was excited to graduate after years of hard work.

“It feels good,” Mr Ryan said. “It’s great to have this sense of achievement.”

Nicknamed “Mr Awesome” by his students, Mr Ryan was awarded his Bachelor of Exercise Science at yesterday’s ceremony.

“I specialised in rehab and was very fortunate to get a position here at Carenne,” he said. “It’s had a great influence and I’m very thankful for the opportunity.”

The 21-year-old will further his studies later this year, with plans to start a Graduate Diploma of Education in July.