2023 International Student Awards Finalists announced

Nine international students have been selected as finalists in the 2023 NSW Government Schools International Student Awards. The 2023 awards finalists come from China, Vietnam, Cambodia and the Philippines, and represent seven different NSW government schools. The 2023 finalists completed the HSC in 2022 and were nominated by their schools for excellence in leadership, academic achievement, or outstanding school service.

The NSW Government Schools International Student Awards recognise the outstanding achievements of international students and their significant contributions to our schools and communities. The awards also recognise school and staff excellence in supporting international students.

The awards ceremony will be held at the Museum of Contemporary Art on Thursday 30 March 2023. If you would like to watch a live stream of the award presentations from 4 pm AEDT, please register to receive the live stream link.

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Student finalists

2023 Academic Achievement Award finalists

  • Jerry Ruijie Chen from Mosman High School 

Jerry’s outstanding Higher School Certificate (HSC) results saw him listed as a 2022 HSC Distinguished Achiever. At Mosman High School, Jerry placed first in five HSC subjects: English as an Additional Language/Dialect (EAL/D), Maths Extension 2, Maths Extension 1, Physics and Chemistry. He won the school’s Rolf Adams Award for Academic Excellence in 2021 and 2022, and the Alex Lesuik Citizenship Award in 2022. Jerry was awarded Dux of Mosman High School.

  • Jamie Ruming Shou from Pennant Hills High School 

With outstanding results in the HSC, Jamie appeared on the 2022 HSC Distinguished Achievers list. At Pennant Hills High School, Jamie placed first in Mathematics Advanced in 2021, First in Mathematics Extension 2 and Chemistry in 2022, and Second in Physics in 2022. Jamie received a Distinction in the 2020 Australian Mathematics Competition.

  • Bella Xinwei Zhou from Strathfield Girls High School 

Due to her outstanding results in the HSC, Bella appeared on both the 2022 HSC Distinguished Achievers list and the 2022 HSC All-round Achievers list. At Strathfield Girls High School, Bella excelled in Mathematics and achieved 1st place in both Extension 1 Maths and Extension 2 Maths. She also placed first in Chemistry. Bella achieved a perfect score of zero in the 2022 NSW Schools Titration Competition.

2023 Leadership Award finalists

  • Tararith Kaing from Canley Vale High School 

From Year 8 through to graduation, Tararith was a committed member of the school’s Student Representative Council (SRC). He was the recipient of the school’s Bronze Medallion for being a committed member of the SRC and demonstrating exemplary leadership skills as School Captain. Tararith served as an executive member of the school’s Leo Club, overseeing the treasury.

  • Kathy Khanh Chi Nguyen from Dulwich High School of Visual Arts & Design 

Kathy was School Captain, and coordinated numerous events to promote school spirit, including Diversity Day, Winter Gala and R U OK Day. She was a Year 10 and 11 SRC Leader and Peer Support Leader, assisting Year 7 students to transition to high school. As a member of the Empowered Women’s Association, Kathy collaborated with peers to collect essential items for women for donation to Share the Dignity’s annual collection drive.

  • Khanh Linh Nguyen from Beverly Hills Girls High School  

Khanh Linh was a member of the school’s SRC and held the position of Senior Executive Officer of Finance and the Environment. Khan Linh initiated and lead the school’s Gardening Club and, during the COVID lockdowns, she started the school’s Book Club to promote social and emotional support for students feeling isolated. Khanh Linh was also an enthusiastic participant and student leader in the 'Empowering Youth to Inspire Change' Community Program.

2023 School Service Award finalists

  • William Nhat Minh Nguyen from Canley Vale High School 

William helped organise the school’s participation in the World’s Greatest Shave, Harmony Day and R U OK day. He volunteered as treasurer for Canley Vale High School’s Leo Club and lead them in several community projects. In addition to his school service, William also volunteered at community events, including the Cabramatta Moon Festival. His hard work and perseverance working within and outside the school community saw him awarded the ADF Long Tan Youth Leadership and Teamwork Award.

  • Elyza Morena Penaranda from Kogarah High School 

As a member of the SRC, Elyza demonstrated her devotion to school service by planning and actively participating in school and community events. She volunteered at school events including the Iftar Dinner, School Community Connect Meeting and Kogarah High School High Tea. She organised the school’s participation in R U OK Day and Daffodil Day. Elyza was 2021 International Student of the Year at Kogarah High School.

  • Tararith Kaing from Canley Vale High School 

Tararith assisted in planning and executing whole-school events and fundraising initiatives, including Harmony Day, Kindness Week and R U OK Day. As a library monitor, Tararith assisted teachers with extracurricular activities, including parent-teacher evenings. Tararith also contributed to community events, such as a stall at the Australian Running Festival, and was the recipient of a Certificate of Appreciation from the Lions Club of Cabramatta for his contribution to the organisation and running of the Moon Festival.

To find out more about the International Students Program, please visit the program page on the DE International website: https://www.deinternational.nsw.edu.au/study-options/study-programs/international-student-program