An Endeavour High School student has been honoured with an award celebrating outstanding achievement in NSW public schools.
The 2020 NSW Minister's and Secretary's Awards for Excellence were announced by the NSW Department of Education on Tuesday.
The awards recognised 120 NSW public school students, staff and parents who made major contributions to their school communities or served as role models to their peers.
The award recipients from throughout the state were selected across six categories.
Among them was Akash Biradar, a year 12 student at Endeavour Sports High School, Caringbah, who received a Minister's Award for Excellence in Student Achievement.
Akash, 17, of Caringbah, is Endeavour's male school captain for 2020, and was described in the recipient citation as an "outstanding young man" who is a role model for fellow students.
"Akash is highly academic, an exceptional sportsman, a natural leader, respectful of others and someone who clearly loves his school," the citation read.
"Akash comprehensively displays the values of integrity, excellence, respect, responsibility, cooperation, participation, care and fairness."
The year 11 dux is a long-term member of the school's Student Representative Council.
He has served as the school's opens cricket captain and squad leader since 2018 and competes at a state level in cricket.
An Endeavour High School staff member was also honoured, with Joanne Petterson receiving the Secretary's Award for Excellent Service.
According to her citation, Ms Petterson has performed in a "variety of critical roles for many years at the school", and brought her "considerable skill set to every role", but most notably in the key position of business manager, which she now holds.
"Joanne has earned the respect of the entire Endeavour community with her intelligence, diligence, commitment to the school and its values and her care and respect for others," it read.
"Her professionalism consistently translates into work of the highest standard."
NSW Minister for Education Sarah Mitchell said the awards affirmed the high standards, dedication and community connections in the public education system.
"These awards highlight the tremendous contribution that students, teachers, support staff, principals and the school community make to public education in NSW as we strive for learning and teaching excellence," Ms Mitchell said.
Department of Education Secretary Mark Scott said this year's recipients showed "remarkable flexibility and resourcefulness in our school communities when faced with the learning challenges of COVID-19".
