The 19th Annual Nanga Mai Awards ceremony has recognised the achievements of Indigenous students, staff and community members from New South Wales public schools.
Hosted by the NSW Department of Education, the awards celebrate excellence in Aboriginal education, with this year's theme being 'Igniting Bright Futures - Celebrating Excellence in Aboriginal Education'.
Bomaderry Public School student Jax McGivern-Picken received the Outstanding Academic Excellence Award (Primary) for his strong performance in STEM subjects.
Jax said receiving the award made him feel proud and recognised for his hard work.
"Winning the Nanga Mai Award was such an amazing feeling," he said.
"I was sitting in my school assembly when I found out I'd be going to Parramatta to receive it.
"The award means a lot to me because it recognises Indigenous students doing great things, and I got it for my STEM projects, and learnt this for coding with Micro:bit, which is awesome."
At just 10 years old, Jax travelled to the HP offices where he saw cutting-edge technology including a $500,000 3D printer and met with company executives.
He said one job that stood out was a community-focused role held by an HP staff member named Brett.
"During my visit to the HP office, I had the valuable opportunity to interview Brad Pulford, Managing Director of HP ANZ, in a 'Five Minutes with the Boss' session," he said.
"It was really great to meet and also listen in to how HP works as a team and their different initiatives."
Jax said he enjoys maths most at school and also plays several sports including rugby league, union and soccer. He hopes to become a professional athlete.
His message to other young students is to keep going, no matter the setback.
"My advice to other kids is to never give up. Even if you get knocked down, always get back up," he said.
"My stepdad says to me that good manners are important, while my mum says don't forget to have fun too.
"Hard work beats talent when talent fails, to work hard."
Other student recipients at the 2024 ceremony included:
Outstanding All-Round Student
Manaia Kemble-Withell (La Perouse Public School) and Tahlia Gilbert (Narrandera High School), awarded for commitment across leadership, academics, cultural responsibilities, and community service.
Outstanding Student Leadership
Emiliah Smith (Curran Public School) and Katelyn O'Neill (Trangie Central School), recognised for their leadership and community involvement.
Outstanding Achievement in Public Speaking
Nevaeh Soper (Aldavilla Public School) and Sophia-Rose Markham (Armidale Secondary College), honoured for their confident public speaking abilities.
Outstanding Achievement in Performing/Creative/Visual Arts
Gabriella Mobbs (Macksville Public School) and Aurielle Smith (Newtown High School of Performing Arts), acknowledged for their talent in the arts.
Outstanding Achievement in Sport
Ryder Grierson (Brookvale Public School) and Tallara Joseph-Riogi (Canterbury Girls High School), recognised for their sporting achievements and conduct.
Outstanding School-Based Apprentice/Trainee of the Year
Hollie Newberry (Coonamble High School), awarded for dedication to her workplace training and studies.
Outstanding VET in Schools Student of the Year
Cordell Scott (Hastings Secondary College, Port Macquarie Campus), recognised for his commitment to vocational training and HSC studies.
Outstanding HSC Achievement Award
Leah-Cherie Holt (Cherrybrook Technology High School, 2023 graduate), who achieved the highest ATAR among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students in 2023.
A recording of the ceremony will be made available online during Term 4. A full list of recipients can be found on the Education NSW website.
