Principal Joanne Scott put forth an inspiring address to the student collective before special guests Sean Andrews (Director of Education - Upper Hunter) and Tracey Snedden (Glencore Media & Communications) were asked to present the distinguished awards.

Singleton High School dux Liam McManus made several trips to the stage in recognition of his recent academic triumphs.

"I'm just excited about what is to come," McManus said.

"This year I have a full time job through my traineeship at the Diggers and then next year I'm going to Uni NSW to study 'Aerospace Engineering' so that will be good."

"My advice (to the students going forward) is that you have fun but you keep your academic achievements in mind."

Meanwhile Julia Kowald was honoured to receive the Vice Chancellor of Newcastle University scholarship.

"I was at home and I received the email when I found out which as very exciting," she recalled.

"Its rewarding for all the hours I put toward my biology and PE studies."

"Its good to get in early and surround yourself with the right teachers (including Miss Pratton for biology because she helped us improve heaps)."

According to the NSW Education Standards Authority Website the folllowing Singleton High School students are 2018 HSC Distinguished Achievers:

Julia Kowald (Biology, Personal Development, Health and Physical Education), Liam McManus (Engineering Studies, Mathematics Extension 1, Physics), Sarah Giggins (Business Studies, Personal Development, Health and Physical Education), Connor McLoughlin (Ancient History, Biology), Matthew Cook (Biology) and Constance Yeomans (Visual Arts).