A horticultural student who returned to education after a gap of more than 20 years has been named Goulburn Ovens Institute of Tertiary and Further Education's outstanding student of the year.

Amanda Roberts left school after Year 10 and admits she was apprehensive about returning to study.

"I was never very good at school," Amanda said.

"For this to happen was a big shock.

"I think it's all about what you're interested in and how much you put into it."

She believes the support provided by GOTAFE teachers and Campaspe Shire alleviated some of the pressures she was feeling, giving her the confidence to proceed.

Amanda, who works for Campaspe Shire, was awarded the top student prize at last week's Shepparton graduation night.

To develop her knowledge of plant varieties and care requirements, and the shire's requirement to progress into droughttolerant plants, Amanda enrolled in the Certificate III in Horticulture course at GOTAFE's William Orr Campus.

The GOTAFE horticulture department said Amanda had demonstrated a focus and dedication to learning which was reflected in the high standard of her studies.

Horticulture teacher Erin McDowell said Amanda had applied her learning and skills from the course to her workplace and the wider community, and had also sought knowledge to bring into her class-based learning.

"Amanda has been an exemplary student who participated fully and has been a great support to other students by providing leadership to them," she said.

Amanda said her interest in the subject matter helped her learning.

"I've always had a love for gardening . . . I think mum passed that on to me."

With most of her work on display, Amanda is never far from public comment.

"If they don't like it, they will tell you," she said.

"You get a lot of feedback and lot of questions about types of plants you are using."

One of Amanda's personal missions in her job is to rid the area of the bridal veil creeper.

She said the weed was a major nuisance and had invaded the bush in some areas.

"We're looking into several methods to control it," she said.