Everyone at Moree Secondary College knew he was one of a kind, but now Maverick Noakes has earned national recognition with the Tom Harvey Award for Citizenship.

The Year 11 student travelled to Sydney on Commonwealth Day to accept the Australia Youth Trust award from Her Excellency, the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC KC, Governor of New South Wales.

The Tom Harvey Award is named after the late inaugural Chairman of the Australia Youth Trust and recognises the outstanding contribution of a young Australian citizen between the age of 15 and 30 years.

Relieving Executive Principal Bethany Kelly said Maverick, who is the Student Representative Council (SRC) president and a member of the Junior Aboriginal Education Consultative Group (AECG), worked hard on behalf of all students and young people.

“Maverick is an exceptional young man who is a strong advocate for student voice and empowering young people, both at Moree Secondary College and beyond,” Ms Kelly said.

“His involvement in not only the SRC and Junior AECG (Aboriginal Education Consultative Group), but also as a representative of the Connected Communities schools at the Minister’s Department of Student Voices in Education and Schools (DOVES), are testament to his desire to improve the experiences of all students, but particularly Aboriginal students, in Moree.”

Maverick travelled to Sydney to receive the award with his parents Karen Wright and Michael Noakes.

"I felt deeply honoured on meeting the Governor of New South Wales, Margaret Beazley and being a successful nominee for the Tom Harvey Award for Citizenship on Commonwealth Day in Sydney,” Maverick said.

“It was an exciting opportunity and experience.

“This year I hope to have more opportunities like this and continue being active with my passions."

As the school’s sustainability council president, Maverick spearheaded an inspirational and practical program to make it simple for students and staff to recycle paper, cans etc.

Maverick champions inclusivity and history and this passion has resulted in new uniforms celebrating culture.

The Clontarf Academy nominated him for the award, describing him as “an exceptional leader”.