BALLARAT'S Rhianon Smyth is on top of the world.
After taking out the Victorian Graduate Teacher of the Year Award on Friday night, the 24-year-old feels as if she has it all.
"Being a PE teacher is fantastic, because I love sport," she said.
Mrs Smyth, who is in her second year of teaching at Ballarat Secondary College's Wendouree campus, said she had the full support of principal Gary Palmer.
"Gary is a great principal, because he has allowed me to try out new ideas and has given me many opportunities."
Mrs Smyth said she thought of her students as friends and loved to see them excel in their chosen sports.
"I get to build up a good rapport with the students and the majority of them love sport," she said.
The Victorian State League netball representative said it was her love of sport that inspired her to return to university to study teaching.
"I studied hairdressing for 12 months - I'm a fully qualified hairdresser."
But it didn't take Mrs Smyth long to realise that hairdressing was not her calling.
"I didn't like being inside all the time," she said.
Mrs Smyth said even after she was nominated for the award, she never imagined she would win. "There were about 115 people in my category," she said.
She was presented with a framed certificate and $2500 on Friday night.
Mrs Smyth was one of three finalists from Ballarat Secondary College. Tim Blee was also a finalist in the graduate teacher section, while Naomi Knight was a finalist in the novice teacher section.