Awarded at Speech Day
Major Awards – Year 7 to Year 11
Accelerated students will be considered for Major Awards for the year of completion of their nominated course.
Academic Endeavour & Academic Honours
These awards are given to students who, across all subjects each school term, have maintained a Grade Point Average of:
Academic Endeavour - 4.5 or above out of 5 for endeavour.
Academic Honours - 80 or above.
Academic Honours with Distinction - 85 or above.
First Class Honours - 90 or above
The Alice Purss and Emma Rupcic Award for English
This award recognises a student who has achieved to an exemplary level in the study of English; it may consider achievement in other areas of English, both internally and external to Snowy Mountains Grammar School. Alice Purss and Emma Rupcic are alumni who excelled in English. Both students represented the School in debating .
The Snowy Hydro Award for Science
This award recognises a student who has achieved to an exemplary level in the study of Science; it may also consider achievement external to the School
The Perisher Award for Mathematics
This award recognises a student who has achieved to an exemplary level in the study of Mathematics; it may also consider achievement external to the School.
The Kosciuszko Thredbo Award for Humanities
This award recognises a student who has achieved to an exemplary level in the study of Business Studies, Commerce, Geography, History and Legal Studies, or a single subject within the Humanities Faculty; it may also take into consideration achievement external to the School.
The Jindabyne Aero Club Award for Aviation
This award recognises a student who has excelled in the study of aviation while studying for the RA-Aus Pilot Certificate and/or the Remote Pilot Licence. The student has demonstrated significant commitment, selfdiscipline, and a high level of achievement in the theory component and/or the flying component of either or both courses.
Awarded at Speech Day
Major Awards – Year 7 to Year 11
The Mitre 10 Award for Agriculture
This award recognises a student who is beginning to show leadership in agriculture. It celebrates someone who is curious, willing to learn, and interested in making farming better for the future. This student works well with others, shows responsibility, and looks for simple, sustainable ways to improve how we care for our land and animals.
The Snowy Monaro Regional Council Award for Health and Movement Science
This award recognises a student who has achieved to an exemplary level in the study of Health and Movement Science. Further, recognising the student who has promoted participation in sports across the S chool, demonstrating determination, commitment to training and sportspersonship.
The Venture Outdoor Co Award for Adventurer of the Year
This award recognises a student from Years 9 to 11 who exemplifies a strong commitment to the outdoor education programs at Snowy Mountains Grammar School. This student plays a key role in fostering a positive and supportive culture among peers and staff, demonstrating resilience, problemsolving skills, and teamwork. Through their engagement with outdoor adventures, they also develop a deep connection to the natural world.
The Australian Defence Force Leadership and Teamwork Award
This award recognises a Year 10 student who has exhibited leadership, teamwork, values, problem-solving abilities, resourcefulness, communication skills, co-operation, and community involvement.
The Member for Monaro 4Peaks Citizenship Award
This award recognises students who has demonstrated a high level of citizenship and concern for the welfare of others, aligned with the School’s core values of CARE: courage, authenticity, respect, and empathy.
Awarded at Speech Day
Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award - Gold
To achieve a Gold Level Award, a student is required to complete a minimum of twelve months of weekly and progressive community service, physical recreation and skill development. In addition, students have completed two Adventurous Journeys of four days and three nights, in remote wilderness areas. The have also undertaken a residential project of five days and four nights in length, with the focus on further developing skills in an identified area. The Bronze and Silver Level Awards have been achieved two years prior to the Gold Award.
Prestigious Awards – Year 12
Accelerated students will be considered for Prestigious Awards in the year of completion of their nominated course.
Academic Endeavour & Academic Honours
These awards are given to students who, across all subjects each school term, have maintained a Grade Point Average of:
Academic Endeavour - 4.5 or above out of 5 for endeavour.
Academic Honours - 80 or above.
Academic Honours with Distinction - 85 or above.
First Class Honours - 90 or above.
The Progressive Agriculturalist Award
This award recognises a student who is a young leader in agriculture and is dedicated to innovation and sustainability. This award is given to a student who shows a commitment to improving agricultural practices, demonstrates strong leadership, and works collaboratively with others. It honours a student who reimagines the future of agriculture through creative, sustainable solutions, inspiring progress and resilience in the industry.
Awarded at Speech Day
Prestigious Awards – Year 12
The Far South Coast & Monaro Law Society Award
This award recognises a student who has excelled in the study of Legal and/or Business Studies. The award may also consider achievement in Legal and Business Studies external to Snowy Mountains Grammar School, which may include participation in relevant competitions.
The Scotty Allan Award for Excellence in English
This award recognises a student who has excelled across several English courses, or a single subject within the English Faculty. The award may also consider participation at a high level in activities such as debating, public speaking and similar. George Urquhart (Scotty) Allan served in the RAF on the Western Front during the First World War. He valued his education greatly, particularly inspired by his love and command of the English language. His vision was sponsored by faith, sustained by hope, sparked by imagination, and strengthened by enthusiasm.
The Greentree Family Award for Humanities
This award recognises a student who has excelled in the study of Geography and/or History. The award may also consider achievement in Humanities external to Snowy Mountains Grammar School. The Greentree family were deeply involved in Snowy Mountains Grammar School; Geoff Greentree taught in the Humanities Faculty with dedication and passion and served as Deputy Principal for several years. Sallianne Greentree was a dedicated Art teacher. Their two children are alumni.
Awarded
at Speech Day
Prestigious Awards – Year 12
The Sue West Award for Mathematics
This award recognises a student who has excelled in the study of several Mathematics courses, or a single subject within the Mathematics Faculty. The award may also consider participation at a high level in Mathematics competitions external to the School. Sue West taught Mathematics at the school for more than twenty years . She also served as the Head of Senior School for many years. Her passion for Mathematics inspired many students.
The Snowy Monaro Regional Council Award for Physical Development, Health and Physical Education
This award recognises a student who has excelled in their study of Physical Development, Health and Physical Education. Further, recognising the student who has promoted participation in sports across the S chool, demonstrating determination, commitment to training a nd sportsmanship.
The Herringer Family Award for Science
This award recognises a student who has excelled in the study of Biology, Chemistry, Investigating Science and Science Extension, or a single subject within the Science Faculty. The award may also consider achievement in of Science external to Snowy Mountains Grammar School. Dr James Herringer and Jane Herringer are alumni, and they excelled in Science. Their mother Joan Herringer served as Registrar at the School for ma ny years
Awarded at Speech Day
Prestigious Awards - Year 12
The Venture Outdoor Co Award for Adventurer of the Year
Awarded to a student who exemplifies a strong commitment to the outdoor education programs at Snowy Mountains Grammar School. This student plays a key role in fostering a positive and supportive culture among peers and staff, demonstrating resilience, problem-solving skills, and teamwork. Through their engagement with outdoor adventures, they also develop a deep connection to the natural world.
The RSL Snowy River Sub -Branch Award for Boarding Leadership
This award recognises a Boarding student who displays exemplary character and leadership. The award considers all aspects of boarding life, the student leads by example and their character makes the boarding house a better place in which to live.
The Snowy Mountains Grammar School Award for Personal Excellence in Academia
This award recognises a student who has demonstrated diligence, determination, perseverance, and resilience to achieve their best. The recipient has continued to strive for personal excellence to achieve their potential throughout their senior years of learning and demonstrated consistent improvement over time.
The Australian Defence Force Leadership and Teamwork Award
This award is presented to a student who has exhibited leadership, teamwork, values, problem-solving abilities, resourcefulness, communication skills, cooperation, and community involvement.
Awarded at Speech Day
Prestigious Awards - Year 12
The Member for Monaro 4Peaks Citizenship Award
This award recognises a student who has demonstrated a high level of citizenship and concern for the welfare of others, aligned with the School’s core values of CARE: courage, authenticity, respect, and empathy.
The Member for Eden-Monaro Leadership Award
This award recognises a student with outstanding leadership skills, further recognising success in motivating students in community spirit, and displaying an exemplary standard of leadership and teamwork.
The Principal’s Award for Outstanding Contribution
This award recognises a student who has displayed outstanding teamwork and contribution to a variety of school activities, whilst upholding the School’s core values and demonstrating strength of character.
Awarded at Speech Day
Prestigious Awards – Year 12
The Ampol Medal
This award recognises a student who made an outstanding contribution to a wide range of sporting, academic and community pursuits. It represents a select group of students recognised across the state for their involvement and commitment.
The Reuben F Scarf Award for Commitment
This award recognises and honours consistent effort and the desire to improve and ultimately achieve one’s personal goals. Reuben F Scarf believed that with hard work, common sense and purpose, all goals were achievable. He held the view that young people who are persistent and dedicated will ultimately reach their goals, accordingly he chose to support these dreams with the perpetuation of this award.
The Chairman’s Award
This award is donated by the Chairman of the School Board and recognises a student who has made a valuable contribution to the life of the School across all areas, whilst maintaining a high academic standard.
Awarded at Speech Day
Prestigious Awards – Year 12
The Sir William Hudson Shield
This award recognises a student who has contributed exceptionally to all aspects of School life. The award honours the life and work of Sir William Hudson. He was the first commissioner of the Snowy Mountains Hydro Electric Authority, and he oversaw construction from 1949 to 1967. Sir William, a distinguished engineer, was a man of great personal strength, character, and vision. Honoured throughout his life, he was a modest, fair and honest person.
The Snowy Mountains Grammar School Parents and Friends Association Award for Dux of the School
This award recognises the top academic student who has achieved outstanding results in their scholastic endeavours at Snowy Mountains Grammar School. It is presented to a student who has consistently demonstrated great academic rigour, determination and success. They are a distinguished scholar within the school community.
Awarded in 2025
Foundation Day Cordis Spiritus Award
This award recognises a student who reflects the ‘spirit of Snowy Mountains Grammar School’. It is given to a student who demonstrates an outstanding contribution to the School, through ‘heart and spirit’, and who has made a significant impact on our community. Respect to self, family, school and others is an underpinning consideration in the determination of this award.
Maria Kisich Trophy for Public Speaking
Maria Kisich was a foundation staff member, an English teacher who promoted public speaking. Our public speaking competition is open to students in Junior School (Years 5 and 6), Middle School (Years 7 to 9) and Senior School (Year 10 to 12). A winner for each division is determined by adjudicators, who are often alumni. One divisional winner is selected as the overall champion by the adjudicators receiving the Maria Kisich Trophy .
Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award - Bronze and Silver
This award is an internationally recognised youth development program focussing on fostering the skills of perseverance, resilience, teamwork, and optimism. There are three levels of the award program - Bronze, Silver, and Gold. Students are required to complete activities in four sections, including physical recreation, skill development, community service and adventurous journeys. These awards involve a six-month and twelve-month commitment.
The Sue West House Shield – Champion House
The Champion House is determined by a School House accumulating the most points from activities and competitions throughout the year. T he House Shield's points are accumulated from academic, cultural and sporting activities, as these form part of the holistic educational process of the School. The House Shield competition starts at Term 4 and concludes in Term 3 the following year.
Awarded in 2025 Sports Awards
Sportsperson All -Rounder of the Year
This award is presented to students who demonstrate outstanding levels of participation and athletic achievement in a range of sporting activities in House, ISA and representative sports. They also demonstrate a high level of sportsmanship and commitment to all School sporting activities.
Australian Olympic Change -Maker Award
The Australian Olympic Change-Maker program recognises and celebrates secondary students in Years 10-12 who demonstrate the Olympic spirit of friendship, sportsmanship, and striving for excellence through leadership and driving positive change in their school or community. One student is nominated from each school; they must be actively demonstrating leadership through sport in their school or local community, and/or using sport as a vehicle to improve health & wellbeing and drive social change in their school or local community.
Awarded in 2025 Arts & Design Awards
The Aspiring Technologist Award
This award recognises a student in Stage 4 Design & Technology who has shown creativity and technical skill across a range of technologies.
The Emerging Designer Award
This award recognises a student who has shown potential as a future designer within Stage 5 Design and Technology. Their designs are creative and address the needs of their intended user.
The Digital Media Award
This award recognises a student who has created engaging content across photography, podcasting and videography. The recipient of this award demonstrates skills as an emerging content creator.
Ex Machina Award
This award recognises a student who has shown exceptional perseverance, resilience and creativity in designing and building robots. This award is reserved for those who go above and beyond, and who demonstrate unwavering commitment to the robotics group.
Awarded in 2025 Arts & Design Awards
The Westpac Award for Design
This award recognises a student who has achieved to an exemplary level in the study of Design and Technology, and who demonstrated continual improvement, innovation, and commitment to the pursuit of excellence in design.
The Snowy Hydro Award for Design and Innovation
This award recognises student who has excelled in the study of Design. This award recognises continual improvement, innovation, and commitment to the pursuit of excellence in design, to develop a product that can serve the world beyond the classroom.
The Australian Defence Force Future Innovators Award
This award recognises the recipient’s design, science, and mathematics abilities, while highlighting the value the Navy, Army and Air Force place on STEM skills and STEM career opportunities within Defence.
Awarded in 2025 Arts & Design Awards
The Creativity in our School Community Award for Drama
Awarded to a student in Stage 4 and Stage 5, who has excelled in their exploration of Drama, exhibiting their ability to work with others, who thinks creatively and participates in school community activities in the Arts.
The Snowy Mountains Grammar School Parents & Friends Award for Drama
This award recognises a student who has achieved to an exemplary level in the study of drama and the performing arts. The student has also enthusiastically participated in drama activities within the School, contributing their time and talent for the enjoy ment of others.
The McGowan Award for Drama
This award recognises a student who has excelled in the study of Drama and has significantly contributed to the Arts. The student has enthusiastically participated in drama activities within the School, and has contributed their time and talent for the enjoyment of others.
Awarded in 2025 Arts & Design Awards
Rising Star of Visual Arts Award
Awarded to a student in Stage 4, this award recognises a student who has shown outstanding passion, dedication, and continuous improvement in visual arts throughout the year.
The Emerging Artist Award
Awarded to a student in Stage 5, this award recognises a student who has shown remarkable growth, creativity, and potential in visual arts. This award honours their hard work, originality, and the exciting promise they bring to the future of the arts.
The S&S Wholesale Award for Visual Arts
This award recognises a student who has achieved to an exemplary level in the study of Visual Arts, further recognising the student who strives for excellence as well as generously contributing their time and talent for the enjoyment of others.
Year 12 Artist's Artist Award
This award recognises a Year 12 student who has demonstrated personal growth as an artist, showing creativity to explore their talents and develop a body of work that demands attention.
The Novotel Lake Crackenback Award for Visual Arts
This award recognises a student who has excelled in the study of Visual Arts and recognises those students who strive for excellence and generously contribute their time and talent for the enjoyment of others. The award may also consider achievement in Vis ual Arts external to the School.
Awarded in 2025 Arts & Design Awards
The Da Capo Award for Music
Awarded to a student in Stage 4, who keenly pursued instrumental studies , demonstrating commitment and improvement. They exhibited an ability to work with others, think creatively and participate in school music activities. Da Capo - a musical direction to ‘repeat’ – accordingly this award encourages the student to continue to grow as a musician.
The Sostenuto Award for Music
Awarded to a student in Stage 5, this award recognises a student who has achieved outstanding results and exhibits determination to hone their music skills. They have also exhibited excellent collaborative and teamwork skills and work positively within the S chool’s music community. The award is titled ‘The Sostenuto’ - a musical instruction to play with continuity and expression.
The Grandiosa Award for Music
This award recognises a student in Year 7 to 11 who has achieved to an exemplary level in the study of music and offers a significant contribution to the musical life of the School. The student strives for excellence and generously contributes their time a nd talents for others.
The Hunter Music Award
This award recognises a student who has excelled in their study of music and has offered a significant contribution to the School’s musical life. The award is donated by the Hunter family, a founding school family.
Academic Endeavour & Academic Honours 1, 3
Alice Purss and Emma Rupcic Award for English, The 1 Ampol Medal, The 8
Aspiring Technologist Award, The 13
Australian Defence Force Future Innovators Award, The 14
Australian Defence Force Leadership and Teamwork Award, The – Year 12 .............................................. 6
Australian Defence Force Leadership and Teamwork Award, The – Year 7- 11........................................... 2
Australian Olympic Change- Maker Award 12
Chairman’s Award, The 8 Creativity in our School Community Award for Drama, The ....................................................................... 15
Da Capo Award for Music, The 17 Digital Media Award, The 13 Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award - Bronze and Silver 11 Duke of Edinburgh’s International Awards - Gold 3
of the School 9
Artist Award, The ........................................ 16
Far South Coast & Monaro Law Society Award, The 4 Foundation Day Cordis Spiritus Award 11
Greentree Family Award for Humanities, The 4
Herringer Family Award for Science, The 5
Hunter Music Award, The 17 Jindabyne Aero Club Award for Aviation, The 1 Kosciuszko Thredbo Award for Humanities, The 1
Maria Kisich Trophy for Public Speaking 11 McGowan Award for Drama, The................................ 15 Member for Eden- Monaro Leadership Award, The ........ 7 Member for Monaro 4Peaks Citizenship Award, The 2
Member for Monaro 4Peaks Citizenship Award, The 7 Mitre 10 Award for Agriculture, The 2 Novotel Lake Crackenback Award for Visual Arts, The 16 Perisher Award for Mathematics, The 1
Principal’s Award for Outstanding Contribution, The 7 Progressive Agriculturist Award, The 3
Reuben F Scarf Award for Commitment, The 8 Rising Star of Visual Arts Award 16
RSL Snowy River Sub- Branch Award for Boarding Leadership, The 6
S&S Wholesale Award for Visual Arts, The 16 Scotty Allan Award for Excellence in English, The 4 Sir William Hudson Shield, The 9
Snowy Hydro Award for Design and Innovation, The 14 Snowy Hydro Award for Science, The 1
Snowy Monaro Regional Council Award for Health and Movement Science, The 5
Snowy Monaro Regional Council Award for Physical Development, Health, and Physical Education, The 2 Snowy Mountains Grammar School Award for Personal Excellence in Academia, The .................................. 6
Snowy Mountains Grammar School Parents and Friends Award for Drama, The 15 Sostenuto Award for Music, The 17
Sportsperson All- Rounder of the Year .........................12
Sue West Award for Mathematics, The 5 Sue West House Shield Award - House Champion, The 11
Venture Outdoor Co Award for Adventurer of the Year, The......................................................................... 2
Venture Outdoor Co Award for Adventurer of the Year, The 6
Westpac Award for Design, The 14 Year 12 Artist's Artist Award 16
