Benalla students Will Smith and Thomas Leith were among the 10 winners of the award, honoured in Parliament House in Melbourne.
Rebecca Webster was presented with her award at her final school assembly when she completed Year 12 last year.
Ms Ryan offers the award each year to schools across the Euroa electorate in honour of Weary Dunlop.
Students were invited to Parliament House for a formal awards presentation after a fun morning experiencing the city.
The award is presented to students who have demonstrated persistence and resilience in order to achieve academically, socially, culturally, in the sporting arena or in another field of endeavour.
‘‘Hosting these wonderful young people and their families in Parliament is one of the highlights on my year,’’ Ms Ryan said.
‘‘Each of them has a unique story of how they persisted and showed resilience to overcome adversity.’’
Will is in Year 8 at FCJ College and was described by his teachers as a resilient, courageous and determined student and a happy, well-liked friend to many.
Thomas completed Year 6 at St Joseph’s Primary School last year and was described by his teachers as a role model to other students because of his positive behavior, not only his academic prowess.
‘‘Will and Thomas are great examples of the spirit exemplified by Sir Edward ‘Weary Dunlop’ and it was an honour to have them in Parliament today,’’ Ms Ryan said.
Sir Edward ‘‘Weary’’ Dunlop was born and raised at Stewarton, educated in Benalla and grew up to be an extraordinary surgeon, serving in World War II.
As a prisoner of the Japanese, Weary Dunlop displayed extraordinary courage, leadership and compassion, giving hope to the sick and comforting the dying.
He was described by one of his men as ‘‘a lighthouse of sanity in a universe of madness and suffering’’.
The award is made annually and recognises students who have done their best in the face of challenges.
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