Recognising outstanding year 12 students who have excelled in their secondary years across  academic excellence, sporting, cultural, community and leadership.

Danah Abden Khaleq, Beverly Hills Girls High School

Samuel Alexander Prideaux, Fort Street High School

Mia Bulivou, Doonside Technology High School

Alan Burzevski, North Sydney Boys High School

Mia Castagnone, Beverly Hills Girls High School

Katelyn Castle, Northern Beaches Secondary College Mackellar Girls Campus

Clair Corliss, Lambton High School

Sarah Crakanthorp, Wagga Wagga High School

Ava Del Tufo, Ulladulla High School

Frank Fei, North Sydney Boys High School

Jordan Harrington, Inverell High School

Deni Hoxha,  Elderslie High School

Clare Jessup, Northern Beaches Secondary College Mackellar Girls Campus

William Johnston, Corowa High School

Minhyeok (Min) Joung, Canterbury Boys High School

Emmeline Judge, Campbelltown Performing Arts High School

Elisa Lillicrap, Strathfield Girls High School

Oscar Little, Albury High School

Alexander Long, Girraween High School

Kianna Munro, Galston High School

Nikola Nadjovski, Cumberland High School

Veronica Nicolich, Merrylands High School

Samudra Radhakrishnan, Girraween High School

Samy Rahman, Canterbury Boys High School

Monique Rosser, Lambton High School

Lauren Strickland, Cumberland High School

Marc Tagalog Doble, Wagga Wagga High School

Sione Teisi, Airds High School

Laura Thomson, Albury High School

Hannah Trethewy, Elderslie High School

Vivian Truong, Fort Street High School

Jordan Ka Truong, Sydney Technical High School

Hannah Wales, Inverell High School

Jia (Annie) Wang, Prairiewood High School

Curtis Wolrige, Peel High School

 

RECIPIENT CITATIONS

 

Danah Abdel Khaleq, Beverly Hills Girls High School 

Danah’s extensive range of academic, cultural and sporting achievements over her six years of high school has shown her to be an outstanding, intelligent, caring young woman, who has been recognised as a future leader, particularly in the areas of environmental advocacy and global sustainability. In particular, Danah’s work in raising awareness of environmental issues through the “Leading in Partnership” program is a testament to her commitment to student leadership, protecting the environment and to public education.

Samuel Alexander-Prideaux, Fort Street High School 

Samuel brings the highest standards of excellence to everything he undertakes and encourages the same level of commitment in others. He has achieved outstanding academic results and rankings throughout his schooling. Samuel is an exceptional sportsman and in 2016 he was a member of the NSW Under- 16 All Schools Hockey Team. He created the school knockout hockey team, the Flamingos, and captained the team for the last two years. Samuel is a member of the Instrumental Music Program, has played in nine ensembles, and in Year 10 he was awarded a High Distinction in Grade 8 (AMEB) for his skills, playing the trumpet. Samuel has proven himself to be a natural leader and is admired by his peers for his courage, integrity and loyalty.

Mia Bulivou, Doonside Technology High School 

Mia is a dedicated student with a strong commitment to learning, which has resulted in her achieving outstanding academic results. She is a conscientious, intelligent young woman who has shown an innate ability to empathise with others and in so doing, has earned widespread respect and admiration from her fellow students and her teachers.  As School Captain, Mia has continued to create a supportive environment for her fellow students, by conducting regular Student Leadership Committee meetings, where Mia has been able to use her high level communication skills to understand and welcome different point of view.

Alan Burzevski, North Sydney Boys High School 

Alan is a young man of great integrity, with a strong sense of ethics and inclusion who has not only excelled academically, but, as with a good all-rounder, has also excelled in sport (particularly in Falcon Sport), cultural activities (Alan is a musician with considerable talent who has participated in the school’s orchestra, playing both cello and piano) and community involvement, (such as Red Shield Door Knock Appeal, Healthy week, Domestic Violence Day). As a Prefect and School Captain, Alan has led and participated in many events to enrich the life of the school.

Mia Castagnone, Beverly Hills Girls High School 

Mia is consistently ranked first and second across all courses of study. She is an exceptional School Captain; President of her school’s Student Representative Council and is a gold medallist student rower. In 2016 Mia was elected Youth Shadow Minister for Education in the YMCA NSW Youth Parliament.  Mia has been involved in numerous local and national initiatives including the “Live below the Line” Challenge where she volunteers her time to plan, fundraise and raise awareness for these events. Mia is committed to promoting an awareness of issues affecting young people and has a strong belief in the empowerment of youth to effect change.

Katelyn Castle, Northern Beaches Secondary College Mackellar Girls Campus 

Katelyn strives for and has achieved excellence in all areas of her school life. She has achieved outstanding results throughout her secondary schooling, excelling to the highest levels in both Years 11 and 12. . In 2016 Katelyn received the Principal’s Award -the highest award presented at Mackellar Girls for the most outstanding student. As School Captain, Katelyn has shown strong leadership, integrity, responsibility and care for others. She has many sporting achievements in netball, lifesaving, cross country and is an elite athlete in basketball, having represented NSW for three years in the NSW State Team. Katelyn has been actively involved in many community and fund-raising activities including 40 Hour famine, Aboriginal Literacy and Youth at the Zoo.

Sarah Crakanthorp, Wagga Wagga High School 

Sarah Crakanthorp, 2017 School Captain, is an outstanding leader, who has demonstrated her natural leadership skills both within the school and in the wider school community. She has organised many charity fundraising activities as well as sporting and cultural events. Sarah has achieved Honours in the school merit system with a Certificate of Excellence in all five areas – academic, school service, cultural, community service and values. Her keen intellect and compassionate nature has earned her widespread respect.

Clare Corliss, Lambton High School 

Clare is an exceptional student who is talented and highly motivated in all her endeavours. She is ranked first in all HSC courses and has received academic excellence medals in all years. Clare’s personal attributes of cooperation, participation, care and fairness saw her elected to the SRC and then elected School Captain. Clare was selected to attend the Constitutional Convention at NSW Parliament and represented the school with distinction at Remembrance Day services. Clare also received the Tim Crakanthorp MP Social Justice Award for Leadership.

Ava Del Tufo, Ulladulla High School 

Ava is an outstanding scholar – out of 170 students, she was placed in the first 5 ranks for all her subjects. Ava is held in high regard for her outstanding cognitive and academic abilities, and for her skill in public speaking and debating. In 2017 she won the Lions Youth of the Year Public Speaking National Award. She is a true leader, who would lead without her School Captain’s badge and who inspires not only her fellow students but all who meet her. Ava has won scholarships such as the USB Academy Young Women’s’ Scholarship as a result of her work with Mollymook Surf Club, where she initiated and fostered the program called “Little Fish Big Fish” – in this program older teen members of the club mentor the younger Nippers.  Ava is a strong volunteer in her community. Losing her younger brother to cancer, she went on to raise over $20,000 for cancer research, before she even started high school.  Ava’s hard work,  grit, determination and perseverance has ensured that already at a young age, she has made a lasting impact not only  in her school and community but at a national level.

Frank Fei, North Sydney Boys High School 

Frank is an exemplary student who strives for academic excellence and at the same time, is actively involved in the life of the school, recently winning the Principal’s Award, the highest honour in the school’s student merit system and the Falcon Award for all-rounder excellence. Frank’s passion for Mathematics led to his participation in the National Mathematics Summer School at the Australian National University this year.  Frank has played an active role in the school’s after hours parent-run competitive sport program for over 5 years in badminton and table tennis. He has also represented the school in Grade Lawn Bowls.  Frank is a talented percussionist and vocalist and has performed with the school on the Europe Music Tour. Frank won the prestigious ADF Long tan Youth Leadership and teamwork Award in 2015 and recently was awarded the Premiers Volunteering Challenge Black Opal Award for 150+ hours of volunteering work.

Jordan Harrington, Inverell High School 

Jordan has consistently strived for excellence in all areas, while a student at Inverell High School, gaining Equal 1st in Physics, 2nd in Extension 1 Mathematics and Merit in Chemistry and Science. Described as an “avid scientist”, his enthusiasm for science led to his selection as a participant in the London National Youth Science Forum in August. Jordan was elected Vice-Captain of Inverell High SRC 2016-2017, was a NSW Representative at the National Constitutional Convention Canberra 2017 and was a participant in the NYSF Staff Leadership Program Canberra 2017.

Jordan is an exceptional actor and performer and participates in Drama Dreams at Inverell as a teacher’s aide and drama tutor, where he takes responsibility for teaching students with emotional and cognitive disabilities.

Deni Hoxha, Elderslie High School 

Deni is an outstanding student who has distinguished himself and demonstrated a commitment to excellence in every aspect of his school life. Deni has ranked in the top five students in all of his subjects and was awarded the most outstanding student in Year 9 and 10. He is a team player and has represented the school at regional basketball, swimming and state water polo.  Deni has shown himself to be a strong leader, elected School Captain in 2017. He won the University of Wollongong Year 10 Leadership Award and has represented the school at many leadership events including the United Nations NSW Youth Leadership Conference. Outside of the school, Deni is an active member of the Camden Youth Council. Deni won the Premier’s Memorial ANZAC Scholarship which saw him travelling to Vietnam to commemorate Australia’s fallen soldiers.

Clare Jessup, Northern Beaches Secondary College Mackellar Girls Campus 

Clare strives for excellence in every commitment and endeavour that she undertakes. Clare has distinguished herself academically, excelling in Years 11 and 12, especially in Aboriginal Studies and Dance. In 2016 Clare received the School Blue Award for orienteering and equestrian, the Certificate of Leadership for Year 11, and a Personal best Certificate for all her subjects. In 2017 Clare received a Rotary Youth Award and three Lions Youth of the Year awards for her outstanding achievements in school, sport, culture, community and for her skills in public speaking.  Clare is School captain and has led many initiatives such as the Aboriginal Literacy Fundraiser, Father-Daughter Vivid Fundraising Cruise and the Book Parade. Her cultural pursuits have given her high level success in debating, drama, poetry and dance, while simultaneously attaining her Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award.

William Johnston, Corowa High School 

Throughout his time at Corowa High School, William has been a role model for public education, consistently endeavouring to achieve at the highest level in all aspects of his school life. William is an academic high achiever and has won a Kwong Lee Dow Young Scholars scholarship to Melbourne University. He has represented NSW at the Annual Poetry Slam competition and was selected to represent the school and Corowa on a cultural exchange visit to Japan in 2014. He is a good sportsman, playing tennis, and football and also enjoys music and debating.

William was elected Vice-Captain of the school and has won the Corowa Lions Club “Youth of the Year” award. He also found time to produce anti-bullying videos to demonstrate values such as respect and responsibility.

Minhyeok (Min) Joung, Canterbury Boys High School 

Min has received many awards for excellence, including the prestigious Cantabrian Award across two year groups, which is given to one student per year who exemplifies the school’s core values of truth and honour. Min is academically gifted and has worked very hard to achieve the excellent results he has made so far. Under the Compressed Curriculum model, he has sat his HSC for Mathematics, English (Advanced) and Chemistry, where he achieved a Band 6 and two Band 5 results. Min is a natural leader and as School Captain, is a well-respected role model to students, staff and the community. As well as participating in many school activities, such as SRC , and mentoring younger students in gifted and talented music programs, Min devotes a significant amount of time to his many volunteering activities in the wider school community, such as his work at BUPA Aged Care Ashfield, the Salvation Army Red Shield Appeal, White ribbon Day and Anzac Day events.

Emmeline Judge, Campbelltown Performing Arts High School 

Emmeline has achieved a high level of academic excellence throughout her secondary schooling.  She has consistently been placed first in most subjects throughout her junior schooling years. In her Preliminary HSC year, Emmeline was accelerated in Dance as an identified gifted and talented performer. She has achieved exceptional results including the ‘Outstanding Achievement and Diligence in all areas of school life ‘award, and then, in Year 11, she was awarded the Rotary Youth Excellence Award in Performing Arts.  Emmeline has been placed in the top ranks and often first in a range of athletics, swimming and cross-country events at school. She has represented the school in public speaking and debating and in 2016 Emmeline was elected by the school community as a member of the School Leadership Team. She has planned and collaborated with her fellow students to fundraise and to raise awareness towards issues such as homelessness, refugees, war, and intolerance towards other cultures and religions.

Elisa Lillicrap, Strathfield Girls High School 

As School Captain, Elisa has worked hard to initiate many whole school programs that have empowered her fellow students, teaching staff and people in the wider community. Her academic results are of an outstanding calibre and her sporting and cultural achievements are extensive. She is a talented dancer and has won many awards for her performances. Elisa was selected from over 2,000 applicants in 2016 to participate in the UBS Women’s Leadership Academy, selected in 2016 to attend ‘Aim for the Stars’ Layne Beachley Foundation Women’s Forum, invited to Partnership of the 1Scope Program with CEO Christina Chun. Elisa created a symposium, with a fellow student, entitled ‘The Power of Hindsight’ for emerging leaders and was co-founder of ‘The Y Venture’ a platform where young people are encouraged to tell their stories.

Oscar Little, Albury High School 

Oscar has always strived to give of his best, taking up any opportunity to broaden his own experiences. He is an exemplary student who excels not only in the classroom, but with his contributions to both school and community leadership and programs to support and assist others. He has excelled in his HSC courses of Legal Studies, Economics and Society and culture. Oscar won the Henry Carus and Associates Visionary Scholarship for his writing on an issue within the civil legal system, which so impressed the judges that they doubled the prize in recognition of the quality of Oscar’s submission. Oscar participates in dragon boat racing, and has represented the State at national titles championship races. He has also raced internationally. Oscar was an NCO at his local Australian Air Force Cadet Squadron and is currently an Albury City Youth Councillor.

Alexander Long, Girraween High School 

Alexander is a conscientious student who obtains outstanding results in different subject areas and who has won many prestigious Year Adviser Awards. Due to his academic ability and aptitude, Alexander was accelerated in Chemistry in Year 10 completing his HSC Chemistry one year early, achieving Band 6.He has been ranked in the top 5 of his cohort for the past two years in Physics and Biology. He is a keen sportsman, and has represented his school in athletics and swimming. He has also represented the school at State Chess Championships. Alexander is a Prefect, a House Leader and a Student Leader. He volunteers with St John’s Ambulance and also finds time to mentor and support other students who might be experiencing difficulties in various areas of the curriculum.

Kianna Munro, Galston High School  

Throughout her time at Galston High School, Kianna has been an ambassador and role model for public education. During her time at high school Kianna has received many awards for academic excellence, including the Principal’s Award for Academic Excellence three times, she has been Dux of Year 10, Year 8 and Year 7, she received the Academy Access Award from Western Sydney University in 2016 and received the Scholarship for Academic Excellence in Year 7. Kianna also has many sporting and cultural achievements and has performed in the school musicals. As a Senior Prefect, Kianna has shown her leadership qualities and values, particularly in her work with students in the special education unit where she took on the house leader role. Kianna has also spent time volunteering in Vanuatu.

Nikola Najdovski, Cumberland High School 

Nikola is an exceptional young Australian who has excelled academically, competed at a high level of inter-school sport and been dedicated to all his school and community responsibilities. In his junior years of high school, Nikola achieved Dux of his year in 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015. Nikola has demonstrated outstanding leadership skills in numerous roles at school and now, as School Captain, he represents the school in community and media events, as well as fundraising for charity. He has been a leader in the school’s Anzac Day and Remembrance Day ceremonies, displaying a deep respect for those that have served before us.  He has been a member of the SRC, a Peer Support Leader, a Peer Mediator and Senior Sports captain. He embodies the school’s core values of respect, responsibility and excellence and, in so doing, has gained the respect of both staff and students.

Veronica Nicolich, Merrylands High School 

Veronica is an outstanding young woman, who has achieved so much in a few years having been awarded the ‘Most Outstanding Student’ award every year since Year 7. She has participated in advancement programs such as Western Sydney University’s Fast Forward and the University of Technology Summer School. This year Veronica won first place in a National Shooting Tournament, representing Australian Air Force Cadets. Consequently, she has won selection to the National Shooting Team, a great sporting achievement. Veronica has also completed an abseiling course and is a licensed solo glider pilot. As School Captain, Veronica demonstrates outstanding leadership ability and she uses this to spearhead many initiatives, fostering the participation of many students in a range of endeavours, whether they be for raising awareness or fundraising for charity.

Samudra Radhakrishnan, Girraween High School 

Samudra is a highly motivated and gifted student, who has consistently demonstrated high-level academic ability, across all subjects. She has achieved the highest level of Principal’s Awards (Magna Cum Laude) as well as 28 Recognition Awards in all subject areas; she has received All Round Excellence Awards six times and has been ranked in the top 2% in the world in the 2013 Gold Language Perfect Awards. Samudra has also excelled in the sporting arena, receiving 11 awards in athletics and basketball, and as well as participating in Touch Football and coaching basketball in 2014. She also involves herself in various cultural activities such as drama, music and dance. Samudra is passionate about community service and is undertaking the Gold award for the Duke of Edinburgh program and winning the ADF Long Tan Leadership Award in 2014.  In 2016 Samudra was selected to represent the school at the Regional United States Forum and also that year, she travelled to Fiji to work alongside the Fiji Women’s Rights Movement.

Samy Rahman, Canterbury Boys High School 

Samy has consistently strived for excellence in all areas, while a student at Canterbury Boys High School. As a result, he has received many awards in recognition for his hard work and commitment.  These awards include receiving the prestigious Cantabrian Award (for exemplifying values of truth and honour).  Samy has proven himself to be a strong leader through his work on the Student Representative Council in 2014 and 2015, winning the Shaun Tan Leadership Award in 2015 and becoming Vice-Captain in 2017. In addition to playing cricket and soccer, Samy likes to get involved with the wider school community through involvement with the local BUPA Aged Care Centre, tutoring primary school students at the Salvation Army and participating in the Lawyers in Schools Program and the UNSW Aspire program.

Monique Rosser, Lambton High School 

Monique is a highly motivated and committed student, who performs at an exemplary level in her HSC studies. Official recognition of her achievements include recognition of Student excellence Award 2013-2017, and Lambton High School Academic Excellence Medal for overall high achievement in all subjects for Years 7-11. Monique is ranked in the top places in all courses studied. Her leadership skill and positive human relationships saw her elected a member of the Senior Student Body for 2017 and President of the SRC in 2016. In 2015 she was awarded the Long Tan Leadership Award and the Black Opal REC Student Volunteering Award for over 150 hours of volunteering both at school and in the local community. In 2017 Monique addressed a tour group at one of the battlefields in France about an Australian soldier, John Archibald Black, who fought during WW1.

Lauren  Strickland, Cumberland High School 

Lauren has consistently demonstrated academic excellence, inspiring leadership, sporting expertise and a commitment to serve her school and the wider community. She regularly achieves first place in her studies. She has exceptional leadership skills having been a member of the Student Representative Council and is currently School Captain. She is Concert Band Leader, captain of the softball team and is involved in various other sports. As well, Lauren is part of the Women in Leadership Program and she is a Cadet Corporal in the Australian Air Force Cadets. Lauren has accomplished an outstanding level of achievement

Marc Tagalog Doble, Wagga Wagga High School 

Marc is an outstanding member of Wagga Wagga High School and the broader Wagga Wagga community. He is ranked in the top six students in all his courses. He has committed himself to all areas of school life and has achieved Honours on many occasions. These include Senior Outstanding School Service Award, Principal’s Cultural Award, and the Hardwick Delves family Award for Performing Arts. Through his passion for the performing arts, Marc has shown outstanding leadership and has been a positive role model for all the other students. As a result he was elected School Captain, a role that Marc has embraced and used to help his fellow students, particularly those who were born overseas or who come from a refugee background. Marc also uses his performing arts skills to reach out to the wider community by performing at many community events such as Refugee Week and at local aged care facilities.

Sione Teisi, Airds High School 

Sione is an exemplary young man and a well-rounded student. He has achieved a number of academic awards including first place in several subjects. Sione was awarded the Principal’s Award for his dedication and commitment. He has performed annually in cultural groups for the annual Flag Ceremony celebrating the school’s rich cultural diversity. He is an active player in the school’s Polyfest ensemble, achieving first place in the Maori category. Sione excels on the sporting field, playing in many volleyball competitions. As a proud School Captain and House (Sport) Captain, Sione is a positive role model.  He is a member of the Community Change Makers Group, working with Housing NSW in important community work and a member of the Youth Action Team working to identify and address youth issues in South Western Sydney. Sione has been awarded Western Sydney University Academy Access Award Scholarship, guaranteeing his entry to University on a scholarship.

Laura Thomson, Albury High School 

Laura is a talented academic achiever, having been recognised with Bronze and Silver medals from the school’s merit system. Her academic results put her 1st in most of her subjects.  A strong public speaker, Laura has been involved with the school debating team from 2012-2016 and this led to her being selected to be the Riverina representative at the Junior State Debating Championships. She is a good all-round athlete, making her mark in swimming and netball but it is in the Olympic sport of sailing that Laura has really excelled. In 2015 she initiated the Albury High School Sailing Team which she has captained to 2 team State Championship titles.  She has won numerous state, national and international championship races, and is now a member of the Victorian State Sailing team. Laura is a natural leader both in the school and sporting communities and although she is a committed student and athlete, she still finds time to get involved in volunteering and fundraising activities.

Hannah Trethewy, Elderslie High School 

Hannah is a dedicated student who constantly strives to achieve her personal best. She has been placed in the top ten ranking for all of her subjects, and is ranked No.1 in two of those subjects. Hannah is also a talented athlete and demonstrates fine leadership skills. She is School Captain, has been a member of the SRC and chairperson in year 10. Hannah is an extremely talented cricket player and received a Combined High School’s Blue Award in 2016. She was selected and participated in Cricket Australia’s underage talent squad from 2014 to 2017 and toured Sri Lanka as part of the Open Girls Cricket NSW development camp. She was awarded the Macarthur Young Sportsperson of the Year award in 2017.

Vivian Truong, Fort Street High School 

Academically, Vivian is an outstanding young woman, as she was placed overall second in her cohort in 2016. She was ranked first in four of her subjects, second in two and fifth in another. In 2015 she was awarded the University of Sydney Academic Excellence Award. Vivian has been a leader and an activist on the SRC, a member of several school committees, an inspirational peer support leader and long-term classroom volunteer at the local infants’ school. Although Vivian is a fluent speaker of Vietnamese, she is also a sophisticated and highly successful writer in English, and has won several prestigious awards and prizes for her writing, including first prize in 2015 and in 2016 at the Auburn Writers Festival. She is an advocate for social justice and has used her creative writing and representative roles to work towards the elimination of discrimination in all its forms.

Jordan Ka Truong, Sydney Technical High School 

Jordan is a gifted and insightful mathematician who has been recognised for his outstanding abilities through multiple prizes and prestigious awards. He has won multiple awards in the Australian Mathematics Competition and in 2015 he obtained a high distinction in the Intermediate Australian Mathematical Olympiad and was invited to go on the Australian Mathematical Olympiad Committee senior contest. Jordan is also a keen participant in the Australian Science Olympiads.

Elected as a senior prefect, Jordan has established the STEM program, mentoring and helping students. Leadership of the group has enhanced Jordan’s organisational and negotiating skills and further developed his leadership ability. Jordan is committed to his volunteer work and outside school he is a keen participant in Taekwondo and has achieved Bo Dan.

Hannah Wales, Inverell High School 

Hannah is an outstanding all-round student, her academic achievements are of a high standard and reflect her commitment to her studies. She is one of three Australian students selected to attend the prestigious National Youth Science Forum International Program XLAB in Germany in August 2017.As School Captain, Hannah has committed herself to ensuring that all students feel they are valued members of the school and wider community and she leads by example, involving herself in all aspects of school life. Hannah is an excellent public speaker, debater and performer. She takes part in school musicals, and is a very talented swimmer, representing the school at State CHS Swimming and Water Polo. Hannah has been recognised by the Inverell community for her all-round abilities, being awarded Inverell’s 2017 Young Citizen of the Year.

Jia (Annie) Wang, Prairiewood High School 

Jia (Annie) is an exceptional young woman, of outstanding character and purpose, who has achieved personal and public excellence in her school and in the wider community. As School Captain, Annie has continued to develop her leadership abilities that she demonstrated in the High Resolves leadership program. Through this program, she became determined to address inequity and unfairness in whatever form they present. For example, in 2016 Annie worked with Father Chris O’Reilly’s Youth off the Streets program to raise awareness of youth homelessness. She has worked as a volunteer with the Salvation Army and uses White Ribbon Day to raise issues of domestic violence and stamping out violence against women. This led to Annie working in the NSW Parliament for two weeks developing a bill that became known as the Domestic Violence Support Network Scheme.

Curtis Wolrige, Peel High School 

Curtis has demonstrated great leadership skills throughout his high school years. He has been a member of the Student Representative Council, Senior Leadership Team and through this work has gained experience working with the local media on school matters. In 2016 Curtis was part of the Peer Support Program helping Year 6 students to transition into Year 7 and in 2017 he worked in another program helping Year 7 students with their reading. Curtis is a major LGBT activist for students and participated in an anti-bullying march. His academic achievements are impressive. In his studies of Advanced, Extension 1 and 2 English  he is ranked in the top three pupils and also in modern history,  aboriginal studies and society and culture, he is again, ranked in the top three. He has represented the school and the region in state- level debating and participated in many school theatrical productions. Curtis is a sport house captain and his assistance in organising events such as athletics and swimming carnivals has earnt him high regard amongst his fellow students and teachers.