Twelve promising students from across the state were recognised for their academic pursuits in the lead up to this year’s National Reconciliation Week (27 May to 3 June).
Achieving the highest Australian Tertiary Admission Ranks (ATAR) among the state’s Aboriginal students, 2021 graduates Elizabeth Davis and Tahneisha Mottishaw received the Chief Executive’s Reconciliation Award.
In addition, from public schools spread from the Riverland to the Yorke Peninsula, ten year 11 and 12 Aboriginal students were awarded the Dame Roma Mitchell Scholarship designed to help them undertake SACE and ultimately pursue their educational and professional goals post school.
Chief Executive Martin Westwell said the department is committed to improving the outcomes of Aboriginal children, young people and their families.
“Aboriginal students should feel valued and supported for the unique knowledge and strengths they bring to their learning community,” he said.
“Educational achievement, specifically successful completion of year 12, is one of the most significant factors in providing young people with access to future opportunities.
“I am proud to see a trend of increased positive education outcomes for all Aboriginal students in this state.
“This includes an increase in Aboriginal SACE completions and an increase in Aboriginal enrolments in preschools and schools across South Australia.”
The awards complement the department’s Aboriginal Education Strategy which aims to increase outcomes for Aboriginal students by supporting them to be proud and confident learners from birth, in school, and beyond.
2022 CE’s Reconciliation Week Award recipients:
Elizabeth Davis – Mitcham Girls High School, studying Bachelor of Science (Biodiversity and Conservation) at Flinders University
Tahneisha Mottishaw - Glenunga International High School, studying Set Design at Adelaide College of the Arts
2022 Dame Roma Mitchell Scholarship recipients:
Alan Garbutt - Renmark High School
Angus Dunkley - Central Yorke School
Billy Eveleigh - Central Yorke School
Ciana Rivett - Urrbrae Agricultural High School
Deacan Franey - The Heights School
Deanna Campbell-Collard - Berri Regional Secondary College
Keira Discombe - Victor Harbor High School
Lachlan Goody - Renmark High School
Seth Bagguley - Nuriootpa High School
Tamzyn Stone - Craigmore High School
