Two Central Coast students and an impressive school initiative involving six Central Coast schools have been acknowledged for their outstanding achievements and contributions to public education at the 2025 Public Education Awards.
More than 700 people gathered at Sydney Town Hall lrecently as 121 awards commemorated outstanding individual achievements, breakthrough school initiatives, community partnerships and major contributions to public education.
Two of the winners are Year 12 students Esteban Cervera from Brisbane Water Secondary College, Woy Woy Campus, and Emily Sonter, who attends Tuggerah Lakes Secondary College, The Entrance Campus.
Esteban is an active and influential member of his school community, co-founding a successful Artisan Biscuit business, expanding it from a small team to a thriving enterprise serving both school and community events, and has shown initiative by leading operations at the school’s Industry Training Café.
Emily’s nomination describes her as a highly motivated student who “shows determination to be of service to others in the school and local community and has led initiatives as a positive role model through her leadership in the SRC and Senior Leadership Team”.
Emily is passionate about the environment and is recognised for her advocacy while volunteering at the Coast’s Marine Discovery Centre.
The third award for the region was the Explicit and Systematic Teaching (EAST) Mathematics Project that Budgewoi Public School, The Entrance Public School, Blue Haven Public School, Gorokan Public School, Northlakes Public School and Toukley Public School collaborated on with four Hunter and two Sydney schools.
The EAST Mathematics Project Team has designed an explicit teaching resource to support the implementation of the new mathematics syllabus.
Explicit teaching is a structured, clear and direct approach to teaching where the teacher clearly explains what students are expected to learn.
Acting Minister for Education and Early Learning Courtney Houssos said she was excited to celebrate the many extraordinary achievements, initiatives and people in a week themed ‘Ignite your Potential’.
“The Public Education Awards highlight the extraordinary work happening in our schools every day,” she said.
“It’s important we take the time to pause and celebrate those who go above and beyond to support student learning and wellbeing.
“These awards are more than a celebration, they are a reflection of the values that underpin public education: equity, excellence and inclusion.”
The winners from across NSW were selected in the following categories: Minister’s Award for Excellence in Student Achievement; Minister’s Award for Excellence in Teaching Award; Secretary’s Award for Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging; Secretary’s Living Our Values Award; Secretary’s Award for Excellent Service; Secretary’s Champion of Service and Representation Award; Secretary’s Award for Outstanding School Achievement; Public School Parent and Volunteer of the Year Award; Alumni of the Year and Outstanding Advocate for Public Education.
Department of Education Secretary Murat Dizdar said it was exciting to have this special night of awards as an opener to Public Education Week.
“Public education is deeply personal to me and I know first-hand the transformative power of great teachers and equitable opportunity,” he said.
“As a student at Fort Street and later a teacher at Ashcroft High, I learnt that education is a passport to prosperity.
“Through these awards we honour the best of the best in our system and showcase the power of public education.”
Dizdar also acknowledged the 11 recipients of the Parent of the Year award who performed “invaluable support roles and who contribute significantly to their local NSW public school community”.
Public Education Foundation chief executive officer Manisha Amin said the Foundation’s mission was to support and celebrate the best of public schooling which is achieved through this major annual highlight.
“This year’s Awards reflect the depth and breadth of excellence across the State; from initiatives connecting students with Country and preserving the language and stories of Elders, to programs supporting young women in STEM, to efforts improving literacy and student engagement – these stories remind us of the powerful role public education plays in creating opportunity and belonging,” she said.
