Again NSW teachers and parents can hold their heads high as our marvellous youth have been challenged to rise to the academic alps by examiners and proven victorious during gruelling exams. (“They’re our brightest stars”,DT, 18/12). Congratulations to the students who excelled and the many brothers and sisters, parents, teachers and friends who offered unconditional love and support. While coming first extols talent, great respect must also be shown for the strugglers, sitting in classrooms across the state, who were never going to come first, but saw virtue in persistence, learnt what was most relevant and now graduate with resolve, humility and the realisation that there is a special place in the world for everyone. The personal victory to be cherished in the HSC is surely to be enjoyed by all who have done their best with their skill set. Learning from mistakes and not being overconfident are surely universal lessons to be treasured by our class of 2024. Alan Sexton, North Parramatta 19Dec2024