Acting principal Anna Barker and Year 12 adviser Joel Beckett congratulated the Year group on completing their 13 years of schooling and wished them every success in the HSC.

"Year 12, as you finish this chapter of your life I wish you the very best," Ms Barker said.

"Go out into the world and make your mark. Don't be afraid to make a difference. Be sure to work hard to help yourself but always work hard and be kind to help others. Whenever you want to achieve something, keep your eyes open, concentrate and know exactly what it is you want, because no-one can hit their target with their eyes closed.

"Everyone, enjoy this moment, you absolutely deserve this moment. You are an incredible class and absolutely outstanding group of young people. I have absolutely no doubt of the great things that lie ahead for each and everyone of you."

Mr Beckett said it had been an "honour" to be the groups year adviser.

"Wherever you end up you will be an asset and the people that come across you will be richer for the experience of knowing you. I want you to go out and succeed in what you choose to do. For some of you that may be hard work and for others that might come easy. Either way retain your drive and passion that I will miss having around the school. This last week you had at YHS has been an absolute joy to witness. To see you all laughing and smiling and celebrating each other in your time at school has been truly heartwarming and uplifting. It has been my honour to be your Year adviser for the remaining of your years in schooling. I thank you for the experience, I thank you for your kindness, I thank you for your humour, and the memories you've left me with. And in case you're still wondering, yes I will miss you," Mr Beckett said.

A number of awards and first in classes were presented to various students during Friday's Young High School graduation.

Liam Wymer picked up the Sporting Blue award and Twomeys award for Maths, Lauren Milne won the John Nagy Memorial Shield for Music, Brock Griffiths picked up the Vocational Education and Training Student of the Year prize, the Michael James Award for Computing went to Joshua Sutinen, the Caltex Sporting All-Rounder Award was Patrick Hislop, Eddy Szanto Trophy for Commitment to School Activities and Achievement went to Abigail Daniels and Eliza Taylor, the Ray Ferguson Cup for Outstanding Commitment to Scholarship, Sportsmanship and Citizenship went to Blake Apps, and Aleira Scott took out the Year 12 of 1999 Award for Excellence in Visual Arts.

At Hennessy Catholic College, Year 12 students spent last week popping in and out for study sessions in preparation for the beginning of the HSC.

The Year group celebrated their graduation and award winners during the last week on Term 3 on September 24.

A graduation mass and award presentation was held before a luncheon on the parish lawns.

Award winners Sarah Penfold who won the Religious Education Award, Excellence in English and the Nicholas Dewar Memorial Endeavour Award went to Shannon O'Brien, Georgina Everdell picked up the Mathematics Award, Albert Cavanagh won the Prize for Science, the HSIE Award and Outstanding Major Art Work went to Bridget Summerfield, Ella Ronning won the PDHPE Award, Ethan Newham picked up the Vocational Education Award, Jack Douglas won Excellence in Hospitality, Harrison Cleverdon collected to Music Award, Elly Sabidussi picked up the 'Get Amongst It Award', Community Service Awards went to Bridie Minehan and Elly Sabidussi, the Individual Achievement Award went to Grace Corkhill, and Ella Murphy got the Long Tan Award for Youth Leadership.

Cootamundra MP Steph Cooke wished all students across the electorate the best of luck in their final exams.

"This is an exciting and nervous time for many students sitting their HSC. I can remember how anxious I was before my exams. I want to wish everyone the best of luck," Ms Cooke said.

"To each and every one in the Cootamundra electorate heading in to their exams, stay focused, keep calm, and remember that these exams are not the be all and end all, there are always other ways in to university, other avenues to undertake tertiary study, and rewarding careers that don't require a high ATAR.

"Believe in yourself and remember that the most important person to make proud with your efforts is yourself.

"And to our teachers, families and school communities supporting an HSC student, congratulations on getting to this point and thank you for your hard work throughout this challenging school year."

The 2020 HSC will start with an English paper on Tuesday morning.

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