And, the dedication has certainly paid off, with six local students named in the Distinguished Achievers list.

According to the NSW Education Standards Authority, Distinguished Achievers are students who achieved a result in the highest band possible (Band 6 or Band E4) for one or more courses.

Among the all-rounders is Scone Grammar School’s Shannon Nichols who received Band 6 in five subjects, came 5th in the State in English Extension 1 and 6th in Community and Family Studies and received an ATAR of 96.35.

Shannon says she is extremely pleased by the results and hopes to pursue a career in Business Management in Sydney.

“I really want to go to Manly to study at the International College of Management,” she told The Advocate.

On top of being listed an all-rounder for her outstanding results, Shannon’s HSC body of work will be on show for the public to view.

The ball point pen drawing, titled ‘Cut it Out’, was selected to be showcased in the Lake Macquarie City Art Gallery as part of their ‘First Class’ exhibition for 2017.

Ms Nichols said the drawings took hours to complete and are a representation of the universal oppression endured by women – an issue she is extremely passionate about.

“The problem is still prevalent in society today, and affects women worldwide in many different ways as shown in the way I have joined the figures by string in my drawing,” she said.

Scone Grammar School’s Mardi Norton was also among the Distinguished Achievers, landing a Band 6 for Ancient History, English Extension 1 and History Extension.

Mardi, who received an ATAR of 91.65, said she is over the moon to have already received guaranteed entry into her preferred University course.

“I was accepted into the Australian National University (ANU) in Canberra to study International Security,” she said.

“The course starts at the end of February and I’m so excited for it to start.

“It’s similar to International Relations, so will allow me to take up a career working for government, an international corporation or intelligence agency in anything from defence policy to foreign affairs.”

Scone Grammar School’s Principal Mr Paul Smart said the school is “delighted with the results of our Class of 2017, with 37% of our cohort achieving Band 5s and Band 6s.”

Mr Smart said Band 6 results were achieved in the following subject lines - English Advanced, Extension English, Extension 1 Maths, Extension 2 Maths, Ancient History, Modern History, Extension History, CAFS, Drama & Visual Arts.

“Many of our students have already received Early Entry offers to various universities,” Mr Smart added.

Scone Grammar School’s Elizabeth Croaker and Brydie Moore were also among the highest achievers, along with Scone High School’s Rachael Tillemans and Lachlan White - all listed as receiving Band 6 in one or more subjects.