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Archbishop Pell with some of the award winners, from left: Patrick Leahy, Anna Mahony, Benjamin
Johnston, Anna Lau and Brian Molloy
By Therese Spruhan and Kathleen Carmody
The achievements and personal qualities of 44 Year 12
students at Catholic secondary schools in the Archdiocese of Sydney were honoured at a ceremony at St Mary’s Cathedral last Tuesday. Archbishop Pell presented them with the Archbishop of Sydney Award for Student
Excellence The 44 students had been nominated by their schools.
Archbishop Pell said that what was really important in life was not how many talents we had but what we did with them.
He said the
students who had received awards had a vast array of talents and a great capacity to contribute.
“They are people who know what faith is about and understand the concept of service and community,” he said.
“I urge them to continue showing leadership and making a contribution after they have left school and moved out into wider society.”
Br Kelvin Canavan, executive director of schools, said the award
was an important way of highlighting the very positive contribution the students made to their schools and local communities.
“It also acknowledges the vital role their families play in helping them achieve
their goals, and affirms the commitment and dedication of their teachers,” he said.
Br Kelvin said that while achievements in academic, artistic, leadership and sporting areas were acknowledged, the award was
also a recognition of personal qualities such as generosity, service, and enthusiasm and participation in school life.
“These students have a strong commitment to their Catholic faith, and many are involved
in social justice activities,” he said. “They have shown great leadership qualities and have used their talents to include and encourage other students at their schools and in the wider community.”
The
principal of Loreto Kirribilli, Janet Freeman, said award recipient Anna Jessica Mahony was truly a faith-filled young woman of the 21st century.
“She has engaged in every facet of life at Loreto to enrich
her experience and serve and assist others,” she said. “In debating and public speaking, netball, tennis, touch football, athletics and the concert band, Anna’s talents have enriched and enlivened each activity.
Anna’s diligence has been acknowledged with awards in a range of subjects.
“She models the personal qualities of Mary Ward’s [the founder of the Loreto order] vision for women – verity, felicity, sincerity
and justice – and she has gained the unanimous respect of her peers and teachers.”
Anna, who plans to study Arts/Law at Sydney University next year, said the school had shown her what she was capable of.
“I think it makes you aware of the possibilities and encourages you to achieve your best,” she said.
Margaret Williams, principal of Bethlehem College, said Michelle Lam was commended for her generosity
of spirit, her efforts to support her peers and to encourage younger students into the full life of the college.
“She participates in many diverse activities, has a strong sense of empathy, an unwavering
optimism and enthusiasm, and relates to people in a mature way,” she said. “She is also an outstanding academic student, and as media officer of
the Student Representative Council has contributed to the
development of the school newspaper.”
Br Bernard Bulfin, principal of Patrician Brothers’ College, Fairfield, said Ross Follone embodied the spirit of the Patrician charism of generosity, hospitality and
service.
“He is an excellent role model in many areas of school life,” he said.
“Academically he has consistently achieved a high position, culturally he has a fine record in public speaking and
debating, and in sport he excels in rugby league, soccer and athletics. As college captain, Ross has balanced his many commitments, serving his school, his church and the wider Fairfield community.
“With
this spirit of service and generosity, Ross exemplifies the values of his close and committed family and the ideals of Catholic education.”
Jane Donovan, principal of Aquinas College, Menai, said her school’s
award recipient, Joanne Nitis, was a young woman of integrity and generosity of spirit, admired and respected for her personal commitment to service and her willingness to lead by example.
“She has made an
outstanding contribution to all aspects of college life, and has been central to our social justice ministry,” she said. “Her outstanding academic achievement and the humility, good humour and genuine care with
which she approaches her role as college captain have earned Joanne immense respect.”
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