The graduation assembly celebrated the achievements of the outgoing year 12 students.

Special awards acknowledgment for the achievements of students across academic subjects and other activities. They also include awards from prestigious organisations.

Principal Ian Ross congratulated every student on their achievements.

“I believe that Hastings Secondary College, and especially the Westport Campus, has provided a strong foundation for you to be positive about your future, to have a determination that will complement your personal qualities and an understanding of the responsibilities of being a civic-minded Australian,” he said.

School captain Nathan Barnett gave the graduation speech and reflected on the journey they had all taken.

“We stand here today staring into the face of the future. It's not a distant reality anymore. It begins here. It begins today. We began high school as children, but we're leaving here as adults,” he said.

“No matter where we go or what we do, there are challenges ahead of us. What I'm asking from each of you, and from myself, is to meet those challenges straight on with your head held high and your heart wide open.”

The Jason Northey Memorial Award for School Leadership was won by school captains Nathan Barnett and Rani Parsons.

The Principal’s Award for School Leadership is presented to students who have shown outstanding commitment and responsibility.

The winner, Theodore Howard, has been an active member of his year group since Year 8. He has shown maturity and dedication in his role as Vice Captain. He made a massive contribution as a leading member of the Hospitality team, with a particularly outstanding performance for this year’s NAIDOC morning tea. 

The Principal’s Award for Academic Achievement recognises exceptional academic achievement across the board.

The winner, Ryan Aylett, performs to the best of his ability and is a fantastic example of what can be done when students apply themselves.

He achieved first place in chemistry, biology, and industrial technology timber and second in general 2 mathematics.

The P&C award for Academic Achievement went to Landon Unasa who has demonstrated exceptional diligence and conscientiousness throughout his time at Westport. 

The Reuben F Scarf Award for Commitment recognises the student who keep working, keep striving, keep moving forward who ultimately realise their dreams. The winner was Nicola Rae.

The Aboriginal Education Award was won by Rani Parsons who has followed a consistent pattern of study and completion of classwork and assessment tasks.

The Caltex All Rounder Award is one of Australia’s most prestigious secondary education recognition programs. It acknowledges a student’s all-around contributions to their schools and communities. 

This year’s recipient, Saskia Smith, has demonstrated leadership beyond the school into the community. Over the years she has shown talent and dedication in the creative, academic and sporting fields.

The recipient of the CWA Community Service Award is Brittney Rosewell.

She is an active member of the school and the local community and hosts a local radio show. She also played a tremendous role in ensuring the success of the school Harmony Day event.

The Mid Coast Connect Award for Vocational Education went to Max Smith who completed three successful work placements this year, all with glowing reports from his supervisors.

The Lower North Coast Careers Advisors Association Dave Lister Memorial Award was presented to Rani Parsons for integrity, resourcefulness, and commitment.

The Australian Defence Force provides the Long Tan Leadership and Teamwork Award for students who demonstrate the qualities of leadership and teamwork. Nathan Barrett has exemplified Defence Force values at school and in his role as an Air Force cadet officer.

The Shona Campbell Award is for a support unit student who has shown a caring nature and community spirit. Sam Beaver continues to demonstrate the values of this award as a member of his class, year group, and the student leadership team.

Sam is also this year’s recipient of The Angus Cooney Memorial Prize for Sports. Sam participates with enthusiasm and good sportsmanship in all sports and has a particular talent for running and athletics.

The Pierre de Coubertin Award recognises students who demonstrate sporting prowess while exemplifying the Olympic values.The winner is Jake Tilston.