Albion Park High School student Ashley Van Vliet-Williams made history as the school's first Aboriginal student to achieve dux and is also studying medicine at the University of Wollongong.
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Late last week Ashley enjoyed more success when she was honoured for outstanding contribution to Aboriginal education in NSW public schools at the 2021 Nanga Mai Awards.
The 15th annual Nanga Mai awards, held virtually on March 31, celebrates the achievements of Aboriginal students and the continued commitment and accomplishments of Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal staff, school communities, and community members.
Ashley and Mayra Brewer from Oak Flats High School were among 33 winners recognised across 17 categories.
Ashley received the Academic Excellence Award.
She is the very first Aboriginal student to achieve dux at Albion Park High School.
She was also the sole recipient of the Illawarra Principal's Recommendation Scholarship, an award that aims to encourage and support students in the Illawarra and South Coast areas to pursue study at the University of Wollongong, where she is studying medicine.
Mayra received the Outstanding Student Engagement Award for working hard to ensure her academic success while making a significant contribution to the broader school community..
She is passionate about her culture and proud of her identity as a young Aboriginal woman, expressing her Aboriginality through her artwork.
The 2021 school captain aspires to be a music teacher and participates in the school's free music tutoring program for local primary school students before school.
Minister for Education and Early Childhood Learning, Sarah Mitchell, said the prestigious event highlighted the outstanding qualities of public education in NSW and was a welcome celebration after a challenging 2020.
"The Nanga Mai Awards display the NSW Government's ongoing dedication to celebrating Aboriginal students, their achievements and their cultural identity," Ms Mitchell said.
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Agron Latifi
Wollongong born and bred. I love reporting about the Illawarra region and have been doing it for more than 20 years. I've moved into sport recently after covering the education round for the last five plus years for the Illawarra Mercury. It's been a great pleasure.
Wollongong born and bred. I love reporting about the Illawarra region and have been doing it for more than 20 years. I've moved into sport recently after covering the education round for the last five plus years for the Illawarra Mercury. It's been a great pleasure.
