Nashariah Reese is doing everything she can to make sure young Novocastrian voices aren't overlooked.
At statewide education awards on Monday August 3, her hard work paid off.
The Callaghan College year 12 student was recognised with the Minister's Award for Excellence in Student Achievement at the Public Education Awards in Sydney.
"I'm very happy with it, it was so exciting," Ms Reese said.
Ms Reese has dedicated her high school years to throwing herself into any leadership and community opportunities she could find.
She's the chairperson of her school's student representative council, volunteers at SoulHub, and is on the Newcastle Youth Council, all while juggling her final year of school.
She is also applying for council grants to run an art showcase focused on youth isolation designed towards giving young people a chance to share their thoughts and feelings.
"I feel like if young people aren't involved then there aren't initiatives tailored for it," Ms Reese said.
"Young people are the future, we are the ones that are going to shape the world."
Ms Reese first joined the Newcastle Youth Council after participating in the mock council experience for students.
"I really like being able to make sure things are happening in Newcastle that young people actually want," she said.
She was particularly eager to get her idea of a youth battle of bands off the ground.
"It makes me happy to see events come to life... and to see people being connected," she said.
Ms Reese was one of several students from across the Hunter among the 40 recognised for their achievements on Monday.
Anisha Ranasinghe from Warners Bay High School, Georgia Young and Isobel Sillar from Lambton High School and Tarini Musuwadi from Merewether High School received an award for excellence in student achievement.
Merewether High School history teacher Gabrielle Borrelli was awarded excellence in teaching for professional engagement, curriculum and student advocacy.
Cessnock High School was awarded for its exceptional growth in literacy and numeracy, improved HSC outcomes, increased attendance and strong student wellbeing and engagement.
The Public Education Awards celebrate the achievements, innovative ideas and dedicated service of students, teachers and school in NSW.
Secretary of the NSW Department of Education Murat Dizdar said the awards recognised the extraordinary stories of achievement in public schools every day.
"Inspiring excellence starts with the people who show up for our students every day," he said.
