Nehemiah Weatherall was awarded the Una May Smith Scholarship at a ‘celebrating excellence in public schools’ ceremony in Sydney last week.

He, and his mother Lavina travelled to Sydney after hearing from the school he had been chosen as a finalist for the awards.

“When he was accepted as a nominee, I went to the school and had to write why I thought he should receive the award and it was such a big surprise to hear that he was named the recipient,” she said.

Nehemiah, better known as Neemo, received the award to assist his learning pathway.

“We’ve never had anything like this happen to us before. Neemo was so excited and happy,” Lavina said.

The Una May Smith Scholarship supports young Aboriginal students to successfully complete their schooling and progress to future tertiary education.

It is named in honour of Una May Smith, an Aboriginal woman whose career in education led to a long-term involvement with La Perouse Public School.

The Year 1 student loves school and only ever has days off when he is too sick.

“I like painting, drawing and play time,” he said.

Neemo is set to turn six next month and for now isn’t sure what he wants to do when he is older but working with his mother in housing was his first choice.

The once-in-a-lifetime opportunity is only just starting for young Neemo who can now do anything he puts his mind to.

“We just want to thank everyone involved in the scholarship, the awards and nominating Neemo. It really was a big surprise and we are very thankful,” Lavina said.

Neemo was born in Moree and started Kindergarten at Moree East Public School last year.

The scholarship will help the local family to pay for uniforms, school excursions and other educational expenses for Nehemiah.

Department of Education secretary Mark Scott said Neemo received one of almost 280 scholarships from the Public Education Foundation to assist students and educators.