A Sylvania High student who wrote a powerful poem about domestic violence has won an inaugural award offered as part of a healthy relationships program.
Nathan McConnell received the Sutherland Shire Love Bites Reflections Award for Creative Excellence at a morning tea at Sharks Leagues Club last month.
Judges said his poem People's Scar demonstrated a strong understanding that blame should lie with the perpetrator of violence, not the victim.
The awards recognise achievement and learning through the Love Bites program, which aims to foster respectful relationships.
The program, which is run by Sutherland Shire Family Services with the support of Cronulla Sharks Football Club's community outreach arm, Sharks Have Heart, this year reached more than 1200 year 10 students at nine local schools.
The students learned about healthy relationships, consent, sexual assault, and domestic and family violence through interactive workshops and creative expression opportunities.
The awards encourage students to reflect on the themes and messages of the program.
Finalists were invited to celebrate their works, which were on display at the morning tea.
Each finalist received a certificate of recognition while Nathan also won Sharks merchandise and a Sharks behind the scenes and game experience pack.
