Blaxland High School student Laurie Wallis took out first prize in English Extension 2 for his suite of Japanese-inspired poetry.

Laurie read widely, studying poetry from a variety of cultures and periods before writing his own poems which incorporated Japanese Haikai, a form of Haiku.

In a special ceremony in Sydney on Tuesday, NSW Premier Kristina Keneally made special mention of Laurie's talents as a poet and as a cricketer, quipping that while many cricket tragics think of their sport as poetry in motion, this former NSW State junior representative cricketer is also a recognised poet.

Another Blaxland High School student, Jeremy Badman, topped the State in the electrotechnology exam.

Jeremy completed his HSC as a school-based apprenticeship, studying at Mt Druitt TAFE.

Glenbrook teenager Kate Pralija, who attended St Paul's Grammar School, came first in the State in textiles and design.

Winmalee High School also shared some of the top honours with Brendan Garlick topping the State in the HSC hospitality exam.

For more coverage about local HSC results, see next Tuesday's Blue Mountain Gazette.