A student who has fundraised for health and children’s charities, a school vice-captain and a student who performed better academically than 99% of her peers across Australia are the recipients of this year’s NSW Department of Education International Student Awards.
The awards, which celebrate the contribution international students make to NSW’s schools and communities, were presented last month at a ceremony at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music.
“International students make a fantastic contribution to our schools”
Weihan (Brian) Wang from China received the Leadership Award in recognition of his role as school vice-captain and work to help support international students at his school.
Vietnam’s Dang Phuong Anh (Abby) Cao, who stood out in a tough field academically gifted students, received the Academic Excellence Award for achieving an Australian Tertiary Admission Rank of 99.60.
And School Service Award winner, Saophoan Sieng, was recognised for her charity work, organising fundraising activities for organisations including the Heart Foundation, The Starlight Foundation and the Cancer Council.
The three winners we selected from a field of 80 nominees across the categories.
“International students make a fantastic contribution to our schools,” Elizabeth Webber, CEO of DE International, told The PIE News.
International students often take up leadership roles within their schools as student body representatives or mentors, as well as working within the community as volunteers, Webber added.
“They enrich our schools, establish networks and assist in making all students global citizens,” she said.
StudyNSW director Peter Mackey congratulated the award winners and nominees, adding that their achievements not only benefit their communities but also equip them to face future challenges in their studies, career and personal lives.
“It was particularly impressive to hear from previous award winners, who are now achieving academic excellence in their further studies and even some who have gone on to land some very impressive jobs here in NSW on graduation,” he said.
NSW hosts the highest portion of international students in Australia, with 655 international students in the state’s government schools completing the High School Certificate last year.
See photos from the NSW Department of Education International Student Awards ceremony here.
