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Governor’s awards recognise diverse achievements

Schools

From competing in equestrian events and performing in a circus to volunteering with charities, the inspiring achievements of 11 Catholic school students have been recognised with Governor of South Australia Commendations.

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The 30 recipients of the prestigious award from throughout the State were announced when Year 12 SACE results were released in December.

The Governor’s Commendation acknowledges students for their excellence in Year 12 SACE subjects, as well as highlighting the qualities young people need for community, life, citizenship and work.

The Catholic school recipients were:

Caitlin Anchor, Kildare College, was recognised for her commitment to helping the most vulnerable and promoting awareness of social issues such as human trafficking and domestic violence. Caitlin was named dux of the college and hopes through her university studies to “make a difference for our society through scientific research”.

Evelyn Vincin Walker, St Ignatius’ College, was acknowledged for her public speaking achievements. She was the State senior winner of the Rostrum Voice of Youth and received accolades for her debating skills. Planning to study a Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Arts majoring in Politics at the University of Adelaide this year, Evelyn said she is committed to continue with her debating and dancing interests.

Keeley Menadue

Keeley Menadue, Xavier College, won a State youth scholarship from Dressage SA and was part of the team at the interschool equestrian national championships. Keeley helped plan and manage a range of fundraising activities at Xavier College and demonstrated great resilience to complete her Year 12 studies. She suffered an eye injury early in the year which resulted in an extended period of time off school but despite this, received outstanding results and was named dux of the college.

Lillian Orsillo, Sacred Heart College, was involved in fundraising for the Hutt St Centre and Vinnies. She is hoping to pursue a career in the fashion industry, and her goal is to bring body-inclusivity to the forefront of fashion. As well as her SACE studies Lillian attended dancing, singing and piano lessons, and with her family donates to a disadvantaged village in Fiji.

Lily Farrell

Lily Farrell, Loreto College, was awarded the title of Young Historian of the Year in 2019 and 2020 and was only the second student from South Australia to win three major history competitions. She was the recipient of the ADF Future Innovators Award, which recognises students who are critical thinkers and problem solvers and who show high achievement in mathematics and science. Named Dux of Loreto, Lily will study at the ANU in Canberra this year, starting a combined science and art degree focusing on astrophysics and history.

Lily Di Cola, Cabra Dominican College, managed to juggle her SACE studies while playing high level women’s soccer in the SA Women’s National Premier League and being a member of the Under 19 National Training Centre program. She trained three or four times a week, plus a game day. Lily was part of the leadership team at Cabra and was involved in fundraising and school events such as sports day.

Manish Augustine, Rostrevor College, was commended for his involvement in a multicultural T20 cricket competition where he has forged relationships with recently-arrived migrants. Manish also worked with Reception students, and advocated for children who have experienced trauma.

Tess Wight

Sebastian Alfred, Christian Brothers College, tutored his peers and younger students in the areas of mathematics and science and worked with engineering students from Adelaide University to study and prepare for exams. An accomplished musician, Sebastian was named Dux of CBC.

Tess Wight, Tenison Woods College, continued to compete in cycling events at the national level during Year 12, after placing first in the Under 19 Women Team Pursuit at the Australian National Track Championships in 2020. Her outstanding academic results saw her named dux of the Mount Gambier college.

Thomas Frew

Thomas Frew, Nazareth Catholic College, was winner of the ADF’s Future Innovators Award for 2021. He designed and built a digital application ‘SACEOLOGY’ to help students and teachers to understand and teach SACE. In his Research Project, Thomas investigated possible life forms on the terrestrial planets of the stellar system, with his findings to be published by the Australian Centre for Astrobiology and the Astronomical Society of SA have asked him to present at its next meeting. Thomas was also named dux of the college.

Kyle Baker, Blackfriars Priory School, received the Excellence in Modified SACE Award. As well as completing his SACE studies, Kyle continued to perform as an acrobat and instructor with the Circobats Community Circus and was involved in many of their shows, including at the Fringe Festival.

Kyle Baker

 

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