28 October 2016 - Ms. Abigail Aguilar, a Filipino student from Quezon City who is currently studying in New South Wales (NSW), was recognized as the winner of the NSW International Student of the Year Award, Schools category, in a ceremony at the iconic Sydney Opera House on October 11.

NSW Minister for Trade, Tourism and Major Events Stuart Ayres, who officiated at the awards ceremony, congratulated the winners and highlighted the contributions of international students to the community in New South Wales.

Ms. Aguilar is one of six winners from 11 finalists representing 10 countries across a range of educational sectors, including higher education, vocational education and training, schools and English language program.

Ms. Aguilar is currently a Year 12 student of Hunters Hill High School, located in Hunters Hill in the suburbs of Sydney.

According to Ms. Ruth Simpson, International Student Coordinator for Hunters Hill High School, Abigail stands out as a leader at Hunters Hill High School. She said that Abigail is a mentor to the international students at her school and represents the group through her role in the school’s Student Representative Council.In 2015, she received the Year 11 School Citizenship Award and this year, she was awarded the Hunters Hill High School Senior International Student Award, which recognizes both academic and community achievement.

The following is written in Ms. Aguilar’s profile on the Study Sydney website: “Abigail’s active commitment to volunteering doesn’t stop with school programs such as Open Day, Variety Night, Beyond the Bell homework club, and other fundraisers. She has also developed initiatives, such as the annual Lunar New Year Celebrations, to ensure international students feel welcome and supported. School teachers and students alike agree that Abigail’s strong work ethic and focus on achievement will continue to benefit Abigail’s current and future community networks.”

Consul Marford Angeles congratulated Ms. Aguilar for making not only her family, but all Filipinos in NSW proud. He said that by exercising her leadership skills in school and by sharing her time and skills with the community, Ms. Aguilar is an excellent example of the Filipino youth. He also congratulated Ms. Aguilar’s guardians, Mr. Ronie Yumul, and his wife, Ms. Christine Aguilar-Yumul, Abigail’s elder sister in Sydney. END