Outstanding Achievement in High School Recognised

Today I was delighted to present the Paperchain Bookstore Manuka Year 10 Excellence Awards for Outstanding Achievement in the High School Years. Awards were presented to students from ACT public high schools who have excelled in academic work and non-curricular activities including peer mentoring, sports, state and national competitions and charity work.

The awards celebrate student growth as a learner, a person, and as a school and community member.

These students have each taken the opportunities provided by their schools and produced excellence in a range of areas. Qualities demonstrated include academic excellence and perseverance, sporting prowess, sportsmanship, artistic and musical ability, integrity, leadership and a desire to contribute to the world, starting in their own communities.

I recognise that the strength of ACT public schools and the success of the exemplary young people here today is a reflection of the ACT Government's commitment to public education. The excellent educators who work in our public schools have also been instrumental to their students' achievements.

I'd like to acknowledge the roles that parents, carers, families and friends play in supporting the students and giving them invaluable encouragement and guidance.

Paperchain Bookstore Manuka is the main sponsor of the Awards and has also provided a $50 book voucher for each award winner. The ACT Government thanks Paperchain Bookstore Manuka for its support of public education in Canberra.