LOCALS upheld Wangaratta's standing in the sporting realm at the recent Victorian School Sport Awards, held at the MCG.

The awards recognise the outstanding sporting achievements of government school students who excel in their chosen sports, and of staff who made outstanding contributions to school sport in 2024.

Students were nominated in sports delivered by School Sport Victoria in the interschool sport program, or the Team Vic state representative program.

Wangaratta District Specialist School was named Multi-Class School of the Year, and WDSS student Lara Pearson received a Sporting Blue Award for athletics with a multi-class; Lara was the only multi-class athlete to receive one of these awards.

Meanwhile, Aron Lombardi, a teacher at Galen Catholic College who is also head of AFL at Shepparton's Notre Dame College, received the 2024 Team Vic Manager of the Year Award for his work with the Victorian under 15 boys AFL team.

Former Wangaratta resident Jon McCormick was also honoured at the event, receiving an Outstanding Teacher Contribution Award for his work and inclusive approach at Bass Valley Primary School.

WDSS earned its Multi-Class School of the Year award by providing opportunities for students to take part in School Sport Victoria's swimming, and track and field athletics competitions, including the SSV State Championships.

This included team selection, coaching, travel and event team coordination for students and families.

Students and families competed in and attended the Athletics Victoria All School Championships in Melbourne and the Australian All Schools Athletic Championships in Brisbane.

WDSS student Lara hit the ground running in her first year of competition, making an immediate impact in cross country, athletics and swimming, and claiming state championship medals in all three - a feat that highlighted her talent and drive.

Known for her leadership, Lara enjoys sharing her experience with peers and the community. With dreams of becoming both a Paralympian and an AFLW player, her sporting journey is one to watch.

WDSS physical education teacher Rowan Barrow, who attended the 26 March awards presentation with principal Alysha Jackson as well as Lara and her parents, WDSS staff members Ash and Jaya, said the awards were an outstanding achievement in the school's first year of team involvement in the School Sport Victoria program.

"To the students, families and WDSS staff, thanks for believing and empowering each of our students to be active learners, trial for teams, and supporting those who represented our school on a regional, state and national level," she said.

Aron Lombardi has been a passionate, energetic and hard-working coach, assistant coach and team manager for the School Sport Victoria Team Vic under 15 Australian football team for the past three years.

He is known and loved by players and parents alike, and in an amazing feat of organisation, Aron coordinated trials for 600 players spread right across Victoria.

He managed all communications with parents and ensured every player had the same opportunity to showcase their talent.

Aron began as an assistant coach of the state under 15 team in 2022, then was head coach of one of two teams in 2023, before taking on the team manager role last year, when he was also forward line coach. He said Galen had been supportive of his involvement with the state team.

"The team manager role has added a lot more work, with 600 kids trying out and lots of parent queries, but I love it," Aron said.

"It's a great age to coach, because for many it's the first time they've been on the pathway to elite footy."

He said he loved the chance to work with such talented young players, and was looking forward to this year's AFL draft, to see players he had coached, or coached against, considered for selection.

Aron said he was initially surprised to be invited to the presentation ceremony at the MCG.

"Then I was grateful that people value the work we're doing," he said.

Jon McCormick's award was for his work at Bass Valley Primary School, a rural school situated between the Bass Highway and the small coastal town of Corinella.

A passionate coach and organiser, Jon dedicates his time to helping students succeed both on and off the field.

His commitment to sport is evident in the fact the school has five-time tee-ball champions, athletics representatives, and state champions in cricket, AFL and softball, but his impact extends well beyond competitive sports to leading initiatives like surf competitions and introducing bike education.

Bright P-12 College student Lachlan Stewart was also recognised at the event, receiving an Outstanding Sport Achievement Award for his performances in state and national titles across road, track, mountain bike and gravel racing.

A member of the Alpine Cycling Club who mentors younger riders, he also shows leadership at school in athletics, cross country and swimming events.