The Kiama High School Year 12 Graduation Ceremony was held at The Pavilion yesterday ahead of the HSC.

In addition to individual recognition for each graduating student and those who topped subjects, many awards were handed out including a number supported by local clubs such as the Rotary Club and Lions Club Award for School Service.

Principal of the School, Catherine Glover, says it is these awards that show what a supportive community we have.

“Many of the local community group representatives were able to come and present those awards. It was a real community effort and event,” Ms Glover says.

With this year group being the first that Ms Glover has seen right through from year 7, she says they are a very special class to her.

“There’s some amazing talents in this group, from the sporting, academic and creative arts fields and beyond, so it has been a really wonderful celebration of all their talents.”

Proud mum Jenny Myles with her daughter Lilly-Rose who gained first place in Community & Family Studies

A highlight for the day was guest speaker, Ryan Burke, who is a Kiama High alumnus who founded Avcon, a company that specialises in providing environmental waste cleanup, remediation and recovery services around the country.

“He gave the students a real picture of how they can take their interests from school into a career, and how there are many opportunities for them. He also taught me about what a sense of community he has developed,” Ms Glover says.

The Kiama High School Dux of 2021 was awarded to student, Emmily Shying, who Ms Glover says worked very hard despite all the obstacles she had to overcome.

“We invite back the Dux from the previous year group, which is based off their HSC result, so it was wonderful Emmily could be part of the celebration.”