Lofty ambitions for the highly commended
Schools
Fourteen students from Catholic schools across South Australia – up from eight in 2024 – have been recognised with prestigious Governor of South Australia Commendations for excellence in learning, leadership and service to community.
Catholic school student recipients exemplified the spirit of the awards through their involvement in initiatives such as mental health and wellbeing, championing sustainability and reconciliation, and volunteering in aged care and disability support settings.
All students will receive the awards during a ceremony at Government House on February 11.
Nazareth College’s Matthew Reinertsen was recognised with an Excellence in Modified SACE Award for his advocacy for people with disability within his school community. As a co-designer of the SA Roadmap to Inclusive Education Project, and a cerebral palsy ambassador for the Robinson Research Institute, Matthew has played a significant role in shaping conversations and actions around inclusion.
Matthew will commence a 12-month pilot diploma in employment pathways at Flinders University and wants to continue his work as an advocate for people with disabilities.
He took time out from an intensive three-week physiotherapy course to attend The Southern Cross photo shoot where he shared that in his spare time he enjoys gaming (Spiderman is tops) and going to the gym.
Cultural advocate and student leader Jocelyn Russ from St Michael’s College received the Aboriginal Student SACE Excellence Award.
Jocelyn achieved strong results across his SACE studies and earned a high distinction in university level economics. He was involved in the Karnkanthi Indigenous education program and contributed to his school’s Reconciliation Action Plan as well as mentoring younger students.
Jocelyn is a poet and his works challenge stereotypes and promote understanding of Aboriginal identity. He volunteers in environmental restoration, youth programs and community events that reflect his commitment to service and cultural education.
Meharpreet Kaur Bains (St Ignatius’ College) is a gifted communicator and leader who combines academic excellence with service and advocacy.
She achieved top results across humanities and languages, won the Premier’s ANZAC Spirit Prize and excelled in debating and public speaking at State and national levels. Her leadership through mentoring, faith-based service and cancer awareness initiatives reflects integrity, empathy and a strong sense of purpose.
A tennis and Formula One fan, Mehar hopes to study law and international relations at Adelaide University. She also has a side gig as a DJ where she plays house music and hip-hop at parties.
Mehar’s school friend, Gabrielle Lourdes Elias, was a co-captain at St Ignatius’ College and is a social justice advocate supporting mental health and wellbeing initiatives while excelling academically. She has been a volunteer worker with Tea Tree Gully Council.
A debater and writer, she took part in service immersion in the Tiwi Islands and will return in 2026 for an extended placement while she is on a gap year.
Sustainability and social justice champion Jasmin Low already has her future mapped out. The St Aloysius College graduate wants to do a business, marketing and communication degree at Adelaide University before undertaking a master’s degree in environmental policy.
Jasmin has already been recognised for her research project on Formula One’s net zero goals and their relevance to Australia’s climate targets and says her two degrees will complement each other well.
“They go hand in hand, it’s good to have business acumen,” she said.
An accomplished musician, Jasmin has played piano in school rock bands and an out-of-school band.
St Columba College’s Amalea Steel is a passionate advocate for cultural understanding and reconciliation and intends to take a double degree in primary education and Aboriginal studies.
She said her experiences living across Australia had made her adaptable and the four-year course didn’t faze her.
“Both my parents served in the military and so I went to seven schools (four primary) and spent the last three years at St Columba’s,” she explained.
Amalea contributed to her school’s Reconciliation Action Plan, promoting Aboriginal perspectives through meaningful initiatives and leadership, and is a keen netballer.
No-one has a more targeted career aim than Rostrevor College’s Alecs Zorz, whose ATAR score of 99.55 earned him dux of the school.
Academically, he intends to pursue a mechanical engineering and double degree in banking and finance but his sporting life – including being an accomplished batsman with East Torrens – has led him to a loftier ambition: “I want to be CEO of Cricket Australia,” he said.
Head prefect Alecs’ achievements span academics, advocacy and service. Excelling across six Stage 2 subjects and university-level studies, he also led initiatives promoting mental health, gender equality and social justice. He is a talented orator and committed volunteer.
Holly Paech was college captain and president of Faith in Action at St Francis de Sales College. She balanced academic success with vocational learning completing a Certificate III in early childhood education and care. A compassionate leader, she mentors younger students and leads initiatives supporting inclusion, wellbeing and community service.
Emma Choi from Loreto College is a State winner of Lions Youth of the Year. Emma excelled across STEM and the humanities while demonstrating a deep commitment to equity and service.
She volunteers extensively in aged care and health settings, advocates for vulnerable communities and led with humility as an SRC executive leader and debating coach.
Sacred Heart College’s Shubham Bhatt was deputy house captain last year and has a passion for STEM and sustainability. Dux of SHC in 2025, he achieved top results in Stage 2 mathematics and physics while completing university-level computer science studies. A dedicated mentor and community contributor, Shubham balanced academic excellence, leadership and sport with humility and generosity.
Leo French from Cabra Dominican College is a talented musician, poet and scholar who achieved A+ grades across Stage 2 subjects and high distinctions in university studies.
He represented young people through United Nations youth programs, advocated for accessibility in the arts and excelled in public speaking competitions. Leo’s creativity and commitment to justice shine through his music, writing and leadership.
Teresa Kennedy (St Dominic’s Priory College) excelled in music, visual arts and design technology, producing professional-standard work including a published picture book promoting cultural awareness. A gifted performer and mentor, Teresa’s resilience and emotional intelligence were evident as she adapted to injury while continuing to support school and community ensembles.
As college captain at Thomas More College, Grace Leonello led fundraising and social justice initiatives supporting causes such as malaria relief and domestic violence awareness. She represented youth voices at State and national levels, including Youth Parliament, where her bill was passed. Grace’s advocacy, leadership and academic commitment reflect a passion for creating positive change. Grace was also dux of Thomas More.
Mateja Tolo from Nazareth College is an inspiring role model whose academic excellence is matched by her commitment to service and inclusion. Balancing six Stage 2 subjects with vocational training and volunteering, she used creative approaches such as dance to empower neurodiverse students, reflecting empathy, organisation and ethical leadership.
With an ATAR of 99.65, she was also dux of Nazareth.
