Newcastle and Hunter region students have won almost half of the awards in recognising excellence at the 16th Nanga Mai Awards this year.
Of the 17 academically successful students, eight of them were from the Hunter, joining a further eight dedicated teachers and community leaders who were recognised by the Department of Education at a virtual ceremony held on December 1.
Hunter Award Winners
- Outstanding Student Leadership: Hunter Blunden, Lambton High School
- Outstanding Student Leadership: Ella Warrall, Newcastle High School
- Outstanding Achievement in Sport: Sienna Gordon, Dungog Public School
- Outstanding Achievement in Sport: Milan Hammond, Hunter Sports High School
- Outstanding Achievement in Sport: Lauchlyn Spicer, Hunter Sports High School
- Outstanding Academic Excellence: Tameka Murray, Toronto High School
- Outstanding All Round Student: Bella Way, Cardiff South Public School
- Outstanding Achievement in Public Speaking: Toby Smith, Whitebridge High School
Executive Director of Aboriginal Outcomes and Partnerships at the Department of Education, Karen Jones had much to say about the awards and the opportunity the ceremony opens up.
"All our students, all our staff and communities can come together across the state and celebrate the opportunities from our public schools," Ms Jones said.
Ms Jones also gave credit to those students who lived in more remote areas saying
"Many of our students, including the MC's this year came from more rural and remote areas," Ms Jones said.
"This reflects that you can be strongly supported and achieve those high expectations and aspirations that our students hold."
Image credit: https://education.nsw.gov.au/news/latest-news/nanga-mai-awards-2021
