Muslim students awarded for their outstanding achievements HUMAN APPEAL AUSTRALIA HOSTED ITS 16TH ANNUAL YEAR 12 MUSLIM ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS IN MARCH IN ALL MAJOR CITIES OF AUSTRALIA

By Alsu Kurlow

The high-achieving students were awarded certificates of achievement and valuable gifts in front of community leaders, politicians and school principals and administrators in Adelaide, Perth, Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney where an incredible 422 students achieving ATAR of 90 and above were recognised at award Year 12 students who achieved an ATAR of 90 or above in 2022 were invited to register for the awards from all over Australia and then to be recognised in events in their state.

SYDNEY: 235 STUDENTS

On Sunday 5th of March, the ceremony in Sydney awarded the largest number of students with a total of two-hundred and thirty-five. The ceremony was opened with the heart- warming recitation of the Quran by Sheikh Khaled Zraykah and co-MC’d by Omar Al-Jamal and Raghda Assoum. Students were invited to join various respected members of the community, school principals, politicians and businesses to attend the ceremony which was held in The Highline Venue in Bankstown. The HSC students were honoured for their hard work, awarded certificates of recognition and were each gifted with a 9thgeneration iPad.

Australia’s Director, Bashar Al-Jamal welcomed guests, expressing his delight at the achievements of an increasing number of Muslim HSC students every year, a video clip showcasing the achievements and the services rendered to the global community of HAA was displayed on the big screen, then various speeches were given by Jihad Dib, MP State Member for Lakemba; Leadership Umrah Tour Participant Omar Alzeidat and by student Imran Abdu

ATAR of 99.85.

The beautiful night was also attended by Wendy Lindsay MP, Member for East Hills; Sophie Cotsis, MP Member for Canterbury; Clr. Bilal El-Hayek, Clr of Canterbury Bankstown City; His Excellency Dr Ali Kraishan, Ambassador of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan and Dean of the Diplomatic Corps in Australia and His Excellency Mr Izzat Salah Abdulhadi, the Head of the General Delegation of Palestine in Australia.

Mr Al-Jamal talked about the devastating earthquakes that struck central Türkiye and Syria. He said she has been comforted seeing the dozens of young people who have volunteered each day to help victims of the earthquake.

‘I was just in Turkey and Syria just two weeks ago, visiting the people affected by the earthquake and delivering aid. What I saw was destruction beyond what you can imagine. Yet I saw something which eased my heart. I saw people, in particular the youth, working hand in hand with their elders to help one another. To help each other get through these tough times. That is what we expect from you my dear High Achievers. We want you to continue excelling in your respective careers however, you must give back. Be there for others in their time of need. You must give back to the community that you are a part of. That is where true excellence lies’ Mr AlJamal said. Overall the night was filled with a warm atmosphere of celebration and joy.