Meet Kerri Underwood - Westfield Local Heroes 2021

Giving school students her all

Coomera State School
Dedicated. Motivated. Selfless

In and out of the classroom, Coomera teacher Kerri Underwood has devoted the past 30 years to the students at Coomera State School.

Kerri was a driving force behind the daily breakfast club, so no child starts school hungry. She co-founded the national Dream a Better World Film Festival for primary school students. In addition, she delivers extra-curricular activities that promote a positive self-image.

She is proud to be a champion and advocate for the school’s students and is often the go-to person for fellow teachers who need support.

When the need arose, she put her hand up to be president of the P&C, devoting what little free time she has to organising fundraising events to provide much-needed resources for the school.

Kerri lives locally and maintains relationships with school families. One of her greatest joys is to meet a past student who reminds her of a positive experience they had in her class.

“Every child deserves a champion – someone who believes in them and insists that they become the very best they can be,” says Kerri.

She feels honoured to be nominated as a Westfield Local Hero. “I have championed Coomera State School for many years and have been a strong advocate for the teaching and learning that occurs here.”

Westfield Local Heroes are nominated and voted for by their communities, with the three top finalists per Westfield centre each awarded a $10,000 grant for their affiliated organisation. Coomera State School will use its funds to give a much-needed upgrade to indoor and outdoor play equipment.

For further information on the Westfield Local Heroes program, click here