The year 6 student was presented the Ethan Stevens Memorial Shield for excellence at the school’s NAIDOC week opening ceremony on Monday.

The award, presented by Ethan’s mum Christine, recognised young Emmy’s outstanding success in a myriad of sports and school pursuits.

From soccer to cricket, netball, league tag and cheerleading to name a few.

Emmy was also part of the school choir and one of only three Gunnedah students invited to collaborate with national Indigenous opera company, Short Black Opera.

A kind, well-mannered and enthusiastic student who shows initiative, Emmy was described by her peers as an outstanding role model for young indigenous students.

Also recognised were a number of school students who were presented with racial harmony awards.

Principal Mrs Emma Jeffery said the award recipients were leaders in the school community.

“They are students who get along together regardless race,” Mrs Jeffey said.

“The character these students possess is to be admired.” 

The awards presentation was accompanied by student performances.

Indigenous-inspired songs and dances, artwork and story-telling and a great clay model video animation formed part of the showcase.

The presentations continue when Winanga-Li Aboriginal Child and Family Centre hosts its second NAIDOC week awards night early next month.

Held every two years, award categories include academic achiever of the year, community contribution award, professional achievement award and sportsperson of the year. 

Tracey Towns helped shape the inaugural awards night in 2014.

She felt proud to be celebrating the achievements of local aboriginal people in her community.

“We have some great people in this town and I just wanted to acknowledge that,” Tracey said.

This year’s awards night has fielded 36 nominations.

Winners will be announced on July 7 at the Gunnedah Services and Bowling Club.