HUNTER students have been recognised for their extraordinary academic achievement, outperforming tens of thousands of their peers across NSW to come first in five Higher School Certificate subjects.
Lambton High's Rayna Lamack achieved first place in the state's most popular course, English Standard, beating 31,346 other students.
Hunter Valley Grammar School's Alexandra Gibb topped the state in the third most popular course, English Advanced, outperforming 24,873 others.
Merewether High's Genevieve Ball was number one in Ancient History.
Merewether High's Zeraphina Freeman scored the top spot in French Beginners.
TAFE Hunter Institute Tighes Hill's Andy Kinkade beat all of his peers in the Electrotechnology exam.
This is the Hunter's best performance on the NSW Education Standards Authority's First In Course list in five years.
Hunter students held two spots on the list in 2019, three in 2018, four in 2017, three in 2016 and five in 2015.
A total of 118 students from 71 schools achieved first place in subjects this year, including seven who topped more than one.
The First in Course celebration will be broadcast on YouTube from 12.30pm.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the class of 2020 has endured one of the most challenging years in a generation, experiencing bushfires, drought and a pandemic.
"In a normal year finishing first in an HSC course is an outstanding achievement, and to do so in a year like 2020, is a credit to the dedication and talent of the students being recognised today," Ms Berejiklian said.
"Congratulations to the exceptional young people who achieved top marks this year, I am sure your teachers, family and friends are incredibly proud of you."
More than 66,000 students completed their HSC this year. Another 8,800 students studied one or more HSC courses throughout the school year.
Education Minister Sarah Mitchell said the cohort of students was "inspiring" and rose to the occasion.
"The First in Course award recognises student's intellect, perseverance and a passion for learning that will hold them in good stead for the future," Ms Mitchell said.
"Thank you to the experienced and dedicated NSW teachers who, along with family and friends have supported and encouraged these young people to achieve at the top of their class in a year like no other."
Students will receive their Higher School Certificate results from 6am on Friday and their Australian Tertiary Admission Ranks from 9am.
More to come
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