Miss Kenny won the Rotary Club of Warrnambool South West TAFE 2014 Student Award, which is presented to a student making good progress and who might be encouraged to continue studies with a financial incentive.

For the last two years Miss Kenny has been travelling three times a week from Hamilton to Warrnambool to complete her Diploma of Nursing at South West TAFE.

As well as studying, she is a mother to Leigh, 9, Shakira, 7, and Latoya, 4.

Miss Kenny has overcome early concerns about finishing the course, with the support of her parents and friends.

“I have 10 months to go in my diploma and to be honest I had considered dropping out because financially I just couldn’t afford it,” she said.

“I’d be debating with myself and then end up deciding that at the end of it, this will be worthwhile.

“My parents help out with childcare. The hefty petrol bill is the biggest issue.”

The award money will go towards fuel or perhaps a new car that doesn’t use as much petrol as her current gas guzzler.

“The award was a big boost for me,” she said. “It’s massive and just means so much. It helps me feel motivated to keep on going.”

Miss Kenny is aiming to find employment as an enrolled nurse when she completes her diploma.

“I am very passionate towards aged care,” she said.

“One day at work I thought I’d give nursing a go. I didn’t think I would get in.”

Rotary Club of Warrnambool vocational services director Gordon Curran said Miss Kenny was a deserving winner of the award.

The club award recognises her dedication and commitment to her studies, while juggling home life with three young children.