The Awards dinner included acknowledgements for academic achievement, student leadership, citizenship, cultural development, sporting prowess and model behaviour in class.

Aboriginal Educational Team Leader Adele Chapman-Burgess said the evening was a family event, with many proud parents, relatives and carers attending.

“It was so difficult to choose between so many great Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students at Glen Innes High,” she said.

“Awardees were nominated by staff at the high school, with over 30 nominations received in each of the six award categories."

Deputy Principal Shelly Way said the awards are a celebration of student achievements.

“The Deadly’s are a wonderful celebration of Aboriginal students and their achievements, commitments and triumphs throughout the year,” she said.

The ‘Deadly’ Awards are part of a school-wide program made possible by the Gonski schools funding agreement between the NSW and Federal governments.

Mrs Chapman-Burgess said that the Gonski funding is important for the educational options it provides to students.

“Gonski funds are enabling Glen Innes High to meet the needs of our Aboriginal students and ensure they have a fair go at all the educational opportunities we offer,” she said.

Deadly Award Winner Shannyn Bevis said that she thought the awards are relevant because they recognise student’s good work at school.

“I think the awards are good because it’s important to get recognition for everything we do at school and I am very proud to receive the award,” she said.

Following the awards night, students will have a short term break before NAIDOC week which will be celebrated from Monday, July 27.