RECOGNITION: Jahnayah Freeman, from Young High School, received the award for outstanding achievement in sport.
A YOUNG High School student’s achievements in the sporting arena were recently recognised at a state awards ceremony.
The innovation, excellence and achievement of Aboriginal students, school staff and community members were recognised at the sixth annual NSW Schools’ Nanga Mai Awards.
Nanga Mai is an Eora word meaning “to dream”.
Director of Aboriginal education and training with the Department of Education and Communities Michele Hall said the Nanga Mai Awards are an opportunity for students and staff, Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal, schools and communities to shine.
“The awards showcased those who were among the best and brightest in public education,” she said.
“The awards can lay the foundations for the ignition and fulfillment of one’s dreams or aspirations for a life nurtured by many learnings and achievements.”
“The awards are a great honour and I extend my congratulations to the students, staff and Aboriginal community members who have contributed so much to education in our homes, communities, schools and regions,” Ms Hall said.
Jahnayah Freeman from Young High School received the award for outstanding achievement in sport.
Jahnayah is an outstanding young person as well as an extremely talented sportsperson.
He has attended Young High from Year 7 in 2008 and is currently in Year 11.
From 2008 to 2012, Jahnayah has represented Young High School in Rugby League, touch football, Rugby Union, swimming and athletics.
He was named the Young Junior Sportsperson of the year for 2009 and 2010.
In 2010 in the NSW Country Track and Field Championships Jahnayah was first in the 100m, 200m, long jump and triple jump.
At the Combined High School’s State Athletics Championships he was first in the 200 metres and second in the 100 metres.
At the Australian Junior Championships he received similar results.
Jahnayah represented Australia at the Jack Brow Memorial Athletics Carnival and Trevor Cravon Athletics Championships in Vancouver, Canada returning with seven gold and silver medals – an outstanding effort.
In 2011, Jahnayah switched his focus to Rugby League and is the captain of the local Cherrypickers Under 16 team which were the winners of the regional competition in 2011.
He also captained the Young High team in 2011 which won the Riverina Cup for the first time.
Jahnayah is an outstanding leader – committed, encouraging, positive, hardworking and focussed.
He currently holds a four year contract with the Penrith Panthers.