Snowy Mountains Grammar School proudly celebrates Mariah Dhar—our Stage 5 Outdoor Education Coordinator, HSIE teacher, and Head of Kiandra House—who has been recognised as a 2025 Rising Star by The Educator magazine. 

The Rising Stars report highlights emerging leaders across Australia’s K–12 education sector. To be eligible, nominees must be 35 or younger and have demonstrated leadership, innovation, and achievement early in their careers. Mariah’s recognition is a testament to her commitment to education and her outstanding contributions to student learning and wellbeing. 

Since joining SMGS, Mariah has played a key role in revitalising our Outdoor Education program, introducing a number of innovative, student-centred initiatives in 2024 alone. These include the development of field journals for the Stage 5 electives, First Aid in Outdoor Environments training, Avalanche Skills Training (AST1), and ropework through rock climbing. These hands-on experiences build resilience, teamwork, and a deep appreciation for the natural world. 

Within the classroom, Mariah brings curiosity to life as a valued member of the HSIE faculty, where she draws on her Master of Applied Learning and Teaching (Secondary) to deliver engaging, evidence-informed lessons. Her approach fosters critical thinking and sparks a passion for learning among her students. 

Mariah also plays a key role in the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award program, regularly attending expeditions, both in Australia and overseas, and mentoring students as they build confidence and independence through outdoor challenges. 

Most recently, Mariah was part of the team supporting SMGS’s inaugural Service Learning trip to Cambodia, where 44 students and staff engaged in a transformative international experience. Together, the team helped coordinate logistics, ensured student well-being and worked alongside local students to restore a rural school near Phnom Penh. Mariah’s contribution helped create a meaningful journey that extended learning far beyond the classroom. 

As Head of Kiandra House, Mariah leads with compassion, inclusivity, and integrity—building a vibrant house culture and supporting students across academic, co-curricular, and personal pursuits. 

Mariah’s recognition as a Rising Star reflects her deep passion for education, her innovative spirit, and her lasting impact on the Snowy Mountains Grammar School learning community. 

“Mariah is a brilliant young teacher. She works for the team, has a wonderful sense of integrity and has built strong relationships with the students in our school. In nearly thirty years of education, I have not seen a more outstanding young teacher.” 
— Paul Horvath, Head of Teaching and Learning