Celebrating the achievements, perseverance, service, and faith of our HSC students across New South Wales.
HSC Recognition Evening & Awards Program
Each year, the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese warmly recognises students from across New South Wales who have completed their Higher School Certificate.
Established by His Eminence Metropolitan Basilios, the HSC Recognition Evening is an opportunity to honour the effort, perseverance, faith, and achievements of our young people at an important turning point in their lives.
More than an awards evening, this gathering welcomes our HSC graduates as beloved spiritual sons and daughters of the Church. It gives students the opportunity to meet with their bishop, receive pastoral encouragement, share their experiences, and be strengthened as they take the next step in their studies, work, service, and life in Christ.
About the Program
The HSC Recognition Evening celebrates students who have completed their HSC and encourages them to remain connected to the life of the Church.
The program seeks to:
- Recognise the achievements and efforts of Antiochian Orthodox HSC students
- Encourage students to remain active in parish life and Archdiocesan ministries
- Provide students with pastoral encouragement from His Eminence Metropolitan Basilios
- Give young people a welcoming space to speak about their journey, challenges, hopes, and future plans
- Honour students who have shown academic achievement, faithful service, perseverance, and love for Christ
Award Categories
Students may be considered for a number of awards, each recognising a different form of excellence and faithfulness.
St Catherine the Great Martyr Academic Award
This award recognises outstanding academic achievement, based on the student’s ATAR result.
St John Chrysostom Church Service Award
This award recognises students who have shown dedication to the life of the Church through regular service, volunteering, and participation in parish or Archdiocesan activities.
St Aquilina Persistence Award
This award recognises students who have shown perseverance, resilience, and faithfulness while completing their HSC, especially while facing personal challenges, hardship, or difficulty.
St Simon of Cyrene Award
This award recognises a student who has carried a significant cross with faith, courage, and love for Christ, while continuing their education and remaining connected to the Church.
Who Can Apply?
Students may apply if they:
- Have completed their HSC in the relevant year
- Are connected to an Antiochian Orthodox parish in New South Wales
- Register to attend the HSC Recognition Evening
- Complete the required award application process
- Meet with their parish priest as part of the application process
- Attend the HSC Recognition Evening
Application Process
Students who wish to be considered for an award must complete the award application process.
The usual process is:
- Register for the HSC Recognition Evening.
- Indicate interest in applying for an award.
- Complete the online award application form.
- Meet with your parish priest and complete the required priest evaluation form.
- Upload the completed priest evaluation form as part of your application.
- Attend the HSC Recognition Evening.
Applications are reviewed by a designated scoring panel, and successful award recipients are notified before the event. Awards are formally announced and presented at the HSC Recognition Evening.
Key Dates
Applications usually open in November or December each year, following the completion of the HSC period.
Final submissions usually close in January, allowing time for the scoring panel to review applications before the HSC Recognition Evening in February.
For the current year’s exact dates, please refer to the registration and application forms below.
Register and Apply
It’s important to register your interest with your parish as early as possible. A registration link will be sent to you closer to the date.
Apply for an HSC Award
Students who wish to be considered for an award should complete the award application form: CLICK HERE
Before submitting the award application, students should ensure they have completed the required priest evaluation form.
For Parents, Parish Priests, and Church School Coordinators
Parents, parish priests, and Church School coordinators are encouraged to promote the HSC Recognition Evening among eligible students.
Parish priests play an important role in supporting students through the application process and helping the Archdiocese recognise not only academic achievement, but also service, perseverance, faithfulness, and love for Christ.
Contact
For questions about the HSC Recognition Evening or Awards Program, please contact your parish Church School Coordinator or Parish Priest.
Scoring for Awards
For more information about how awards are scored, see here: CLICK HERE