Section 09.4 — Awards
Awards
Thirty-three certificates, awards and commendations received between 2022 and 2026.
Certificates
33 documentsAustralian Defence Force Future Innovators Award
The 2024 Australian Defence Force Future Innovators Award, which recognises student achievement in STEM. Eli received it as a Year 10 student at Guyra Central School, and Admiral David Johnston AC, Chief of the Defence Force, signed the certificate.
Lions Youth of the Year, Event Final Winner
Winner of the Event Final in the Lions Youth of the Year Program, sponsored by the Lions Club of Guyra, on 16 November 2024. Jim Betts, Chairperson, signed the certificate.
Waratah Party Gavel Award
Gavel Award from the Waratah Party for the strongest government speaker in the Legislative Council, recognising outstanding public speaking during Eli's time as a Youth Parliament participant. Faith Moavenzadeh, Claudia Wedesweiler and Jess Hampton signed the certificate.
Dux, Big Picture Stage 5
Certificate of Achievement naming Eli Dux of Big Picture Stage 5, presented in December 2023 and signed by Principal Michelle Nicholson. Eli held the Big Picture Dux title in two consecutive stages.
Aurora College Academic Achievement, Mathematics Extension 1
Academic Achievement award from Aurora College for Year 12 Mathematics Extension 1 (course code 12MAX31), presented on 5 September 2025 and signed by Principal Chris Robertson.
2023 Junior State Debating Championships
Congratulations from the NSW Department of Education on selection to represent the New England region at the 2023 Junior State Debating Championships, held 4–6 December 2023. The championships brought together ten regions across 28 debates.
Year 8 Extension Mathematics, first place
Certificate of Achievement for first place in Year 8 Extension Mathematics, presented on behalf of Guyra Central School on 7 December 2022 and signed by the Principal and the class teacher.
Year 11 Advanced Mathematics, first place
Certificate of Achievement for first place in Year 11 Advanced Mathematics, presented on behalf of Guyra Central School in December 2023 and signed by Principal Michelle Nicholson.
Aurora College Year 12 Graduation Certificate
Year 12 Graduation Certificate from Aurora College for Mathematics Extension 1, dated 26 September 2025 and signed by Principal Chris Robertson.
2022 Kickstarter Challenge Finalist
Certificate of Achievement naming Eli a finalist in the 2022 Kickstarter Challenge. The University of New England's Smart Region Incubator issued the certificate on 5 December 2022, with the NSW Government, and Dr Lou Conway, UNE SRI Director, signed it.
Dux, Big Picture Stage 4
Certificate of Achievement naming Eli Dux of Big Picture Stage 4 at Guyra Central School, presented in December 2022.
Encouragement Award, Stage 5 Big Picture
Certificate of Achievement for an Encouragement Award in Stage 5 Big Picture, presented in December 2024 and signed by Relieving Principal Tim Lloyd.
Head Teacher Award, consistent application to Big Picture work
Head Teacher Award for consistent application to his Big Picture work, presented on 21 February 2025 on the nomination of Ms A Callister.
Head Teacher Award, learning plan and project development
Head Teacher Award for learning plan and project development in Big Picture, presented on 16 May 2025 on the nomination of Mrs M Spiropoulos.
Head Teacher Award, manners and respect in Big Picture 1
Head Teacher Award for exceptional manners and respect towards peers and staff in Big Picture 1, presented on 16 May 2025 on the nomination of Ms T Gardner.
Head Teacher Award, facilitation of discussions
Head Teacher Award for facilitating discussions that improve Big Picture learning activities, presented on 27 February 2026 on the nomination of Mrs M Saville.
2024 Premier's Debating Challenge
Certificate of participation in the 2024 Premier's Debating Challenge for Years 9 and 10, run by the NSW Department of Education.
School 7–12 Public Speaking Award, 2023
Guyra Central School's 7–12 Public Speaking Award, presented on Presentation Day in December 2023 and signed by Principal Michelle Nicholson.
Armidale Public Speaking Competition
Certificate of Participation in the Armidale Public Speaking Competition, held for the Bicentenary of the Legislative Council on 24 July 2024. The Hon. Ben Franklin MLC, President of the Legislative Council, and Brendan Moylan MP, Member for Northern Tablelands, signed it.
School 7–12 Public Speaking Award, 2024
Guyra Central School's Public Speaking Award for Years 7–12, presented in December 2024 and signed by Relieving Principal Tim Lloyd.
Lions Youth of the Year, Public Speaking
Public Speaking certificate from the Lions Youth of the Year Program, sponsored by the Lions Club of Guyra and dated 16 October 2024.
Lions Youth of the Year, Club Final
Certificate for participation in the Club Final of the Lions Youth of the Year Program, sponsored by the Lions Club of Guyra, on 16 November 2024.
Lions Youth of the Year, Regional Final Finalist
Finalist certificate for the 2024–2025 Lions Youth of the Year Regional Final, sponsored by the Lions Clubs of Zone 7 and Zone 8. Eli advanced from the Guyra club level to the regional stage of the program.
Parliament of NSW 2025 Public Speaking Competition
Certificate of Participation in the Parliament of NSW 2025 Public Speaking Competition, held in Tamworth and signed by the Hon. Ben Franklin MLC, President of the Legislative Council, on 22 May 2025.
School 7–12 Public Speaking Award, 2025
Guyra Central School's 7–12 Public Speaking Award, presented in December 2025. Eli received the award in 2023, 2024 and 2025.
Armidale Youth Forum certificate
Certificate of Participation in the Armidale Youth Forum for the Bicentenary of the Legislative Council, dated 24 July 2024 and signed by the Hon. Ben Franklin MLC, President of the Legislative Council.
Parliament of NSW 2025 Youth Forum certificate
Certificate of Participation in the Parliament of NSW 2025 Youth Forum, signed by the Hon. Ben Franklin MLC, President of the Legislative Council, on 22 May 2025.
2025 Talent Show participation
Certificate for participation in the Guyra Central School 2025 Talent Show, signed by Mr Uvarajan Ganesbaran and Relieving Principal Tim Lloyd.
Bronze Award, pride, respect and responsibility
Bronze Award for displaying pride, respect and responsibility at Guyra Central School, Term 1 2025.
Silver Award, pride, respect and responsibility, Term 2 2025
Silver Award for displaying pride, respect and responsibility at Guyra Central School, Term 2 2025. The Bronze Award of Term 1 preceded it.
Silver Award, pride, respect and responsibility, undated
Silver Award from Guyra Central School for demonstrating pride, respect and responsibility.
Head Teacher Award, Lamb and Potato Fundraiser
Head Teacher Award for helping at the Lamb and Potato Fundraiser, presented on 13 February 2026 on the nomination of Miss A Hetherington.
Silver Award, pride, respect and responsibility, Term 2 2026
Silver Award for displaying pride, respect and responsibility at Guyra Central School, Term 2 2026.