Waniora Public School played host to the Deadly Encouragement Awards for the second year running.

Northern Illawarra Aboriginal Education Consultative Group president Julie Street-Smith said the awards recognise Aboriginal school children who might miss out in conventional achievement-based merit systems.

‘’The awards reward those students who over the past year, had demonstrated a commitment to improve over a range of mediums, ranging from attendance, community involvement, entertainment, sport and music and displaying a positive attitude towards learning,’’ Ms Street-Smith said.

The Aboriginal community liaison officer added the aim was to make the children feel valued by acknowledging and rewarding their efforts.

‘’We want to encourage them to be strong effective leaders and role models to younger children in our community,’’ she said.

In all, 94 children were awarded - two nominated from each school in the group's catchment, plus all graduating Year 12 students, who receive the Deadly Achievement Award.