MUSIC, dance and drama students from Wondai State School have had their hard work recognised with an award from the Wakakirri Story Dance competition.

The year 6 and 7 students were given the Inspirational Story Award for their interpretive dance rendition of Anh Do's book The Little Refugee.

They performed in front of other schools at the Sunshine Coast on Wednesday night where the former Dancing with the Stars judge Mark Wilson credited the students with a "powerful performance".

But they had to sit tight for the results until today.

The students were involved in every aspect of the dance, from choosing the story and music to conceptualising the props and dance moves and school principal Ruth Miller said Wondai was the only small school at the competition.

"We were the only rural school and only school that didn't need fancy costumes, crazy hair or make up to make an impact," she said.

"The kids were so proud, as we all were."