Principal Mick Eller nominated Walsh for the award for his leadership at school, within agriculture, sport and scouting. 

There were 985 other people across New South Wales who were nominated for the award but Walsh was selected, along with 21 other students to receive the prestigious award.

Walsh admitted he didn’t quite understand the magnitude of winning the award immediately.

“I wasn’t entirely sure what the award was about, I did a google search and then had to take step back and I was just blown away at how much of a huge deal it was,” Walsh explained.

Walsh worked hard alongside fellow students and teachers after the 2013 floods to help farmers repair their land, fences and clear debris.

“It was great to be able to help the farmers for six weeks after the floods. We built strong relationships with the local farmers and they appreciated our support and help.”

Walsh is seen as a true leader from his peers at the school and at his local football club the Kempsey Saints.

He has been coaching a young football team for the past four years and has played for the premier league side.

The year 12 student’s accomplishments don’t stop there, as he has recently received the highest honour in scouting as well, he completed all of his badges over the past two years to earn the Queen’s Scout award.

Every year there is only a small number of people who achieve the award and Walsh will be presented with his from the Governor and Chief Scout of new South Wales, as a representative of the Queen, at government house. 

Walsh’s focus is now completely on the HSC and reaching his dream of studying rural science at the University of New England at Armidale.

He plans to use his degree to become an agronomist to continue to help farmers, before returning to a school as an agriculture teacher.