Mya shines amidst the devastation of her hometown

The impact of the disaster posed unimaginable challenges for students trying to study for the HSC. Despite that, Mya, a student from The Rivers Secondary College Kadina Campus has finished First in Class in two subjects - equal first in Mathematics Standard 2 and first in Business Services Examination.

Mya was driving home from work last Friday when she received a phone call from the Deputy Premier and Minister for Education, Prue Car, who had "some great news" for her.

Ms Car shared the result with Mya, and asked if she could she get herself down to Sydney for the awards ceremony?

"I do have work, but I guess I can change that," a stunned Mya said.

She was among 59 students from 37 public schools who came first or equal first in a HSC subject. Overall, 128 students from 89 government and non-government schools received a First in Course award.

Students from 17 comprehensive high schools took line honours in subjects including Maths Standard 2, English Extension 2, Drama, Construction, Automotive and Dance.

The students were presented with awards at a ceremony in Parramatta on Wednesday.

Mya recognised the support of her family, friends and community in the Northern Rivers still rebuilding after last year's devastating floods.

She attributes her success to her hardworking mother who inspired her, and gave a special shoutout to her maths teacher, Rikki Wiblen.

"He's the best. He always explained things so well and was super helpful," she said.

Kadina campus principal James Witchard said Mya's achievement reflected the value of public education, "particularly in a regional setting where we focus on creating opportunities through strong relationships between students and teachers".

Mya is headed to university next year to study Law and Arts.

Deputy Premier Car congratulated all of the HSC students who excelled in 2023, achieving a First In Course mark.

"Our First in Course students should feel proud of the dedication they have shown and the skill they have displayed throughout this year," she said.

"Reaching a First In Course mark is a fantastic achievement, and I hope all our students can take time to celebrate their work over the summer break."

The annual First in Course ceremony this year brings together a diverse group of students from areas including Orange and Albury in the state's central west, Lismore and Coffs Harbour in northern NSW, Wollongong in the Illawarra and Newcastle in the Hunter, and Sydney including Strathfield, Cabramatta, Liverpool, the Eastern Suburbs, Auburn, the North Shore and Campbelltown.

All 67,234 students received their results by SMS, email and online from 6am today.

Twenty students from Lismore public schools achieved HSC scores in the Top Tier.