Students excell in and out of classroom
News
Eight Catholic school students are among 33 young South Australians who received Governor of South Australia Commendations this year.
The 2024 commendations were across the categories of SACE Excellence, Aboriginal Student SACE Excellence and Excellence in Modified SACE.
SACE Board chief executive Michaela Bensley said the commendations celebrate students who have excelled in their SACE subjects and demonstrated SACE capabilities while contributing to their schools and communities.
“The SACE Board’s vision is for all students to graduate with a world-class qualification that showcases the diversity of their skills and talents,” she said.
“This year’s commendation recipients exemplify this vision and serve as inspiring examples. We wish them continued success in their future endeavours.”
Catholic college recipients are:
Alexander Clark – Rostrevor College
A Purton Oratory winner, Alex is an accomplished public speaker who has been engaged in debating activities from Year 7 through to Year 12. A Head Prefect, Alex organised and implemented a visit from disability support provider Novita, which involved his peers touring their school by wheelchair to identify accessibility gaps on campus. Alex has demonstrated a deep commitment to the community through various fundraising activities and social justice events, including the Winter Sleepout and White Ribbon Campaign. Alex’s deep ethical understanding and strong sense of community makes him an exemplary role model for his peers and younger students at his school.
Alexandra Seal – Loreto College
South Australia’s 2024 Young Citizen of the Year, Alexandra is an accomplished scholar and advocate. Her business, Six Spaces, which donates a percentage of profits to charities such as families4families also sees her handcraft polymer clay jewellery. Her advocacy work includes creating globally shared fliers for the Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary/ Congregation of Jesus (BVM/CJ NGO) at the UN and a compelling video for the Mind the Gap movement for UN Women. For her Research Project, Alexandra created a short film for families4families to share with rehabilitation clinics for people and families impacted by acquired brain injuries. Alexandra’s leadership and strong sense of social justice have been evident in her roles in the Peace and Justice Group, Environment Committee, and as chair of her school’s UN committee.
Benjamin Walkuski – Xavier College
Winning Dux awards for four of his SACE Stage 2 subjects, along with his school’s Gold Medal for excellence across academic, sporting and citizenship domains, Ben is a true all-rounder. His proficiency in his Stage 2 subjects, coupled with his willingness to share his knowledge and expertise with others, has seen Ben become a sought-after peer mentor for his classmates. He also set up a Mathematics support program at his school, and led study sessions for other subjects even during school holidays, demonstrating a deep commitment to education and community. Showing particular insight into how his autism influences his interactions with others, Ben has taken a proactive approach to offering and accepting perspectives, and respecting the autonomy of others. Ben hopes to study Psychology after school.
Ebony Lewis – Xavier College
As an Aboriginal student leader, Ebony has shown an innate ability to bridge cultural perspectives and foster inclusive environments within her school community. She organised NAIDOC Week celebrations and has mentored younger Aboriginal students at her school in their transition to secondary education. She has demonstrated exceptional critical thinking through data collection and analysis, which she has used to evaluate communication and process effectiveness across various community service projects such as Project Compassion. Ebony is a skilled communicator who has a particular aptitude for tailoring communication specifically for different audiences.
Gabriel Cregan – St Francis de Sales
An accomplished mathematician and swimmer, College Captain Gabriel has balanced multiple commitments to achieve personal and learning goals. His considerable development in mathematics, which has far exceeded the level expected of a senior secondary student, has led Gabriel to choose to Mathematics as a career pathway. Gabriel has represented Australia in the Virtus Global Games, is two-time state champion and currently holds 56 state swimming records.
Sargunpreet Kaur – Nazareth Catholic College
Sargunpreet is dedicated to her ambition of becoming a doctor, sitting her Stage 2 Biology exam the day after her family home was burned. Her pursuit of knowledge and excellence has seen her achieve outstanding results in her SACE subjects, as well as the university subjects and Certificate III that she has completed alongside her SACE. Sargunpreet is also an accomplished communicator, and shared her key learning from Activating Identities and Futures (AIF), interwoven with stories of migration, culture, religion and identity to a warm reception at her school’s AIF TED Talk Evening. As part of her AIF journey, Sargunpreet has sought to build shared understandings about Sikhism in Australia to enhance cross-cultural relationships.
Zashka Gunson – St Dominic’s Priory College
Zashka’s academic success spans across creative, scientific and mathematical domains. She was selected to attend the National Youth Science Forum (NYSF) and has subsequently assisted next year’s participants with their funding applications. As Prefect in Years 11 and 12, she has been a role model for her peers and organised various activities to build stronger school connections. As part of her school’s Environment Club, Zashka ran recycling programs and initiatives to reduce energy poverty. In sporting, Zashka holds a SASI scholarship for para-badminton and is a member of the national Para-Falcon badminton squad.
Kevin Hua – St Columba College
An accomplished all-rounder, Kevin consistently embodies the SACE capabilities in all aspects of his academic journey. He has demonstrated a notable commitment to promoting literacy skills among his peers by initiating a wide range of literacy programs at school. Kevin has also been a strong advocate for National Reconciliation Week which has seen him organise events, create educational resources, and work collaboratively with his peers to raise awareness. Kevin contributes to the wider community with a focus on advocating for youth and inspiring younger students. Kevin is a strong leader who has rallied his school community on civic education, digital literacy, and environmental impact. Outside of school, Kevin is involved in Youth Parliament and the UN Youth Council.
