400 SA students honoured at SACE merit ceremony held at Government House

Teenager Mia Ngo, who will be awarded with a historic medal, is among the 400 top students to be honoured at a ceremony for their 2024 results. See the list here.

Shashi Baltutis

less than 2 min read

February 13, 2025 - 9:30AM

Self-confessed book-a-holic Mia Ngo believes literature is still important for teens in the modern world.

The Endeavour College graduate is among 400 students and school-leavers who will be presented with subject merit awards at Government House on Thursday.

She is also the winner of the Tennyson Medal for the highest result in year 12 English Literary Studies.

“It can really change the way you see the world and helps you develop critical thinking skills, which are super important these days,” Mia, 18, said.

18-year-old student Mia Ohara Ngo, the 2025 Tennyson Medal recipient, with a selection of favourite books, with Her Excellency the Honourable Frances Adamson AC, Governor of South Australia, in the Government House library. Picture: Kelly Barnes

“The learning curve was steep because it was a subject requiring a different way of thinking.”

Ahead of her presentation of the historic medal, first awarded in 1900, Mia and Governor Frances Adamson swapped book recommendations.

The teen ranked the classic Little Women among her top choices and Ms Adamson suggested A Fig at the Gate by Australian author Kate Llewellyn.

Mia plans to study a double degree in law and international relations this year.

Education Minister Blair Boyer said the merit ceremony is “an incredible demonstration of the talent that we have in South Australian schools”.

“I am confident they will put their incredible skills to good use taking up one of the many exciting opportunities that are available to young people in South Australia right now.”