Triumph over adversity: 30 years of the Brother John Taylor Memorial Prize

Three students from across the state have been recognised today for achieving top results in the 2022 Higher School Certificate, despite facing immense personal adversity.

The Brother John Taylor Memorial Prize, now in its 30^th year, is awarded annually to a student or students nominated by their teacher or principal.

NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) CEO Paul Martin said the three students selected this year should feel proud of what they achieved at school, despite the challenges they continue to face.

"These impressive young people have encountered significant challenges that some of us will never have to face, and they have turned that hardship into triumph. 

"I am enormously impressed by the resilience and strength of the 2022 recipients and look forward to watching them grow as they embark on life beyond school," Mr Martin said. 

At a prestigious ceremony in Sydney, recipients were each awarded a cash grant, in front of family and past teachers.

The Brother John Taylor Memorial Prize is open to nominations from principals and teachers who have worked closely with their students and understand the adversity and challenges faced.

“The stories that come through the nominations process every year are astonishing. While they highlight the strength of individual young people, they also reflect how integral teachers, and the school community are to lifting students up.

“Teachers work closely alongside students ensuring they can do their best, engage in learning and ultimately succeed.”

“These young people are just extraordinary – their courage, tenacity and strength is remarkable. Congratulations on all that you have already achieved and all the best for the good things to come,” Mr Martin said.     

Parliamentary Secretary to the Deputy Premier, Parliamentary Secretary for Education and Early Learning, and Parliamentary Secretary for Western Sydney, Greg Warren MP, joined students on Friday, to recognise the achievements of these young people.

Read more about the Brother John Taylor Memorial Prize here.