Schools Finalists
2020 NSW International Student of the Year Award
The winners of the 2020 NSW International Student Awards were announced at Government House, Sydney on Tuesday 8 December.
Tung Linh Ha (Vietnam)
Beverly Hills Girls High School, Beverly Hills
Tung Linh Ha (known by her friends as Andrea) is a Year 12 student at Beverly Hills Girls High School in Sydney. She is originally from Hai Phong (a city in east Vietnam) and has been recognised by her teachers, peers and community as a dedicated student who goes above and beyond to give back.
For the past two years, Andrea has served her community as a House Vice-Captain and Senior Executive Officer, as well as Director of Personnel and Leader of the Wellbeing Committee on the Student Representative Council. She has led initiatives like ‘Be Kind Day’ and SASSY (the school’s intensive English program) and given her time and support to charities including the Salvation Army, World Vision and Harmony Day to name a few.
Andrea is admired by her peers and teachers alike, not only for her academic achievements, but for her pride and respect for her Vietnamese heritage. She has been a key player in the school’s yearly Multicultural Day, sharing her experiences and championing cultural beauty, diversity and cohesion.
Nickie Tran (Vietnam)
Sarah Redfern High School, Minto
Nickie was born in Vietnam and is a dedicated student at Sarah Redfern High School with outstanding academic achievements. Her tireless dedication to her school community makes her a standout among her peers.
Nickie regularly volunteers her time to the school’s Breakfast Club, coordinates the Student Representative Council and is the secretary for the Interact (Rotary) Club. Being part of these clubs has allowed her to make significant contributions to fundraisers such as White Ribbon Day and ‘R U OK Day.’
Nickie also participated in NSW Department of Education's 'Student Voice' committee, where she played a pivotal role in evaluating a platform that helped to enhance student perspective on their experiences in their community.
Her strongest passion is advocating for social justice in her community. She is a talented writer who uses her skills to improve the quality of students’ lives, writing for Story Factory’s ‘Read Aloud’ program, which partners with Camp Quality’s ‘Happiness Hub.’
Angel Wang (China)
Pymble Ladies' College, Pymble
Angel is an international boarder in year eight at Pymble Ladies’ College in Sydney. She is a positive role model for her peers and school community, with a devoted work ethic and a strong commitment to understand and respect all cultures.
At the beginning of 2020, Angel became concerned about the severe shortage of medical supplies in Wuhan and organised thousands of medical grade gloves and protective suits for the local hospital through donations and her own money. In the months following, and as the impact of COVID-19 was felt in Australia, she also created a website to help her community in NSW understand the risks of the pandemic.
Angel’s community recognises her actions as embodying the school’s values of care, respect, responsibility, integrity and courage. She continues to demonstrate immense strength in 2020, despite not being able to return home to see her family in China.
Meet our 2020 finalists
