Ashleigh Campbell from Inverell High School,  Michelle Peak from Ben Venue Public School and Yvette Phillips from Tenterfield High School all received awards at the 2016 Education Minister’s and Secretary’s Awards for Excellence in Parliament House.

Ashleigh was one of 13 students honoured with a 2016 Minster’s Award for Excellence in Student Achievement with her nomination based on excellence in her academic and extra-curricular activities, and for her exemplary behaviour as a school leader.

Michelle received a Public School Parent of the Year Award for her ten years’ support of public education.

Six of those years have been at Ben Venue Public School, where she has been the parent club coordinator and initiated fundraising resulting in a kindy play area, sensory items for students with autism along with a colour run fundraiser.

While Yvette received the Secretary’s Award for Excellent Service for her inspiration in teaching Japanese and organising trips to Japan.

She is also a learning support teacher who assists students with disabilities.

Mark Scott, Department of Education secretary, said the award recipients came from all over the state and reflected the high quality of education in public schools.

“I applaud the dedication of this year’s award winners - it’s testimony to our continued focus on quality teaching and improving learning outcomes,” he said.