Group photo of Dame Roma Mitchell Scholarship and Chief Executive's Reconciliation Award recipients at Government House ceremony

Outstanding Aboriginal students recognised

3 June 2025

Twelve outstanding South Australian students have been recognised for their academic achievements during National Reconciliation Week (27 May to 3 June).

Among these students are 2024 graduates Latisha and Nicholas who received the Chief Executive’s Reconciliation Award after achieving the highest Australian Tertiary Admission Ranks (ATARs) of the state’s Aboriginal students.

Talking about Latisha’s achievements, Paralowie School Principal Yvette Swaalf said, Latisha demonstrated a strong commitment to connecting to culture and supporting her peers and younger students.

“Latisha is a proud Wiradjuri woman and was an incredible student who always produced a high-level of work across all her subject areas, achieving a high ATAR and a merit for English in Year 12”.

“For her outstanding commitment to the South Australian Aboriginal Secondary Training Academy and education, Latisha also received the 2024 award for SAASTA Student of the Year”, said Ms Swaalf.

On Nicholas’ achievements, Berri Regional Secondary College Principal Clinton Ridgeway said, Nicholas has always been a driven and thoughtful student.

“His ability to stay focused on his goals while also giving back to those around him is what really sets him apart”.

“We’re incredibly proud of Nicholas’ achievements and know he’ll continue to make a meaningful impact in whatever path he takes”, said Mr Ridgeway.

Ten year 11 students have also been awarded the Dame Roma Mitchell Scholarship to support them in completing their South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE).

Since 1993, 131 Aboriginal students have received this scholarship which encourages students to pursue their educational and professional goals after leaving school.

The awards complement the department’s Aboriginal Education Strategy which aims to improve outcomes for Aboriginal students by supporting them to be proud and confident learners from birth, in school and beyond.

Department for Education Chief Executive Professor Martin Westwell said, we are committed to helping young Aboriginal people to feel supported in their educational pursuits and prepared to take on the world when they leave school.

“The awards and scholarships acknowledge these students for their excellent academic achievements and the strong commitment they have made to their education”.

“They have gained knowledge, skills and confidence to help them make positive choices about their future, with encouragement from their teachers and support from their families and friends”, Professor Westwell said.