The selections, made by local artists Peter Dunne and Peter Otton, were announced at the awards ceremony on Friday.

 There were first place and runner up prizes for every school stage. Each winner took home a gift certificate.

Some artists were pleasantly surprised to win. Roisin Ahern of Eden High School took second place in the stage six division.

“I wasn’t expecting it when they told me today,” she said. 

“It’s a really good feeling, especially when it comes out of the blue like this.”

The judges made a few special mentions outside of the official award giving ceremony. 

Tathra Public School was commended on being the most artistic school overall.

Stage one across all schools was congratulated for being the most creative school level. 

Pambula Public School was awarded the whole school award for their group effort to create their colourful stepping stones. 

Early Stage 1: First place Kokoda Mitchell from Towamba Public School and second Jaxon from Bega Valley Public School. 

Stage 1 (Years 1 and 2): First place Arlie Richardson from Towamba Public School and equal second Rose Thompson from Quaama and Lucy Fragnito from Wolumla.

Stage 2 (Years 3 and 4): First Isla Challinor from Merimbula Public School and second Brianna Whalley of Merimbula Public School. 

Stage 3 (Years 5 and 6): First Mia Waugh of Tathra Public School and second Daytona Porter of Tathra Public School. 

Stage 4 (Years 7 and 8): Equal first Liam Ryan and Esme Barker of Bega High and second Becky Robbers of Bega High. 

Stage 5 (Years 9 and 10): First Hazel Anderson of Bega High and second Keith Pickalla-Douglas of Eden High. 

Stage 6 (Years 11 and 12): Chloe Allen of Bega High and second Roisin Ahern of Eden High. 

Whole School: Pambula Public School for their Stepping Stones.