Six schools from the Hilltops region gathered together at Young Public School on Friday November 23 to present, celebrate and accept their Proud and Deadly awards.
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These schools included Young High School, Young Public, Young North Public, Murrumburrah High School, Murrumburrah Public School and Murringo Public School.
The awards commence as way to recognise, celebrate, and award Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students’ achievements through the school year in academics, art, music, leadership, recreation and contribution to the community.
These awards build Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students pride, self-esteem and passion to encourage further achievement.
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The Awards are organised by the AECG (Aboriginal Consultative Group) in partnership with the Department of Education, and this year it was Young Public who got to host the awards.
AECG President Aunty Cheryl Fensom said she was impressed by the students and the ceremony.
"I was very impressed with the calibre of our students who continue to shine in this region and at the district level as well," she said.
Award categories include Citizenship, Encouragement, Academic, Student Leadership, Outstanding Sports Achievement, Year 12 Completion, Excellence in Performing/Creative/Visual Arts, Dedication to learning, Wiradjuri Language and Attendance.
Aboriginal Education Consultative Group Albury president Rebecca Lea who was also in attendance as a special guest said the long-running awards were well supported by all participating schools.
“The school’s think it’s a great platform for our students to excel in,” she said.
“The kids absolutely love it and we love doing it.”
Mrs Lea said that it was the teachers who nominated students for the various awards, with the number of Aboriginal children determining each school’s nominations. The children did not know what they had been awarded until the ceremony itself commenced and certificates were handed out in school groupings.
“The kids feel more comfortable with their school buddies,” Mrs Lea said.
There was a long list of special guests and presenters and a large crowd full of proud family members who were able to take part in the special ceremony, and children from various schools were able to interact as one.
