JUGGLING study, part-time work, friends and creative pursuits is hard enough for any teenager.
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But former Irrawang High School student Hayley Waterhouse, 18, also threw in creating a small but successful cake making business that led her into a pastry chef career and an education award too.
Miss Waterhouse returned to her former school on Monday when she was awarded a 2014 Australian vocational student award by the Department of Education.
The award, with a prize of $1000, recognises students who demonstrated "outstanding skills" while completing vocational training during high school.
Miss Waterhouse, who also studied at TAFE while in high school, was nominated by teacher and VET co-ordinator Jenny Noone.
"I initially nominated her because she was an outstanding hospitality student," Ms Noone said.
"The award was for students who went above and beyond their VET studies and Hayley definitely did that."
Miss Waterhouse, who works part-time at a Raymond Terrace pub, is halfway through a Diploma of Hospitality specialising in patisserie.
Miss Waterhouse said she took an interest in making cakes several years ago.
She taught herself and made special occasion cakes, including her grade's year 12 farewell cake, for friends, family and acquaintances.
She is undergoing a trial with Euro Patisserie in Newcastle, which, if successful, will lead to an apprenticeship.
