The Catholic school student recipients exemplified the spirit of the awards through their involvement in mental health and wellbeing initiatives, championing sustainability and reconciliation, volunteering in aged care and disability support settings, and using their voices and talents to advocate for justice, inclusion and positive change.

Students will be formally recognised at a ceremony at Government House on 11 February 2026.

Aboriginal Student SACE Excellence Award

Jocelyn Russ – St Michael’s College
A cultural advocate and student leader, Jocelyn has achieved strong results across his SACE studies while also earning a High Distinction in university-level economics. He leads initiatives through the Karnkanthi Indigenous Education Program, contributes to his school’s Reconciliation Action Plan and mentors younger students. Jocelyn’s nationally shortlisted poetry challenges stereotypes and promotes understanding of Aboriginal identity, while his volunteering in environmental restoration, youth programs and community events reflects his deep commitment to service and cultural education.

Excellence in Modified SACE Award

Matthew Reinerstein – Nazareth College
Matthew has been recognised for his exemplary advocacy for people with disability and his strong leadership within his school community. As a co-designer in the SA Roadmap to Inclusive Education Project and a Cerebral Palsy Ambassador for the Robinson Research Institute, Matthew has played a meaningful role in shaping conversations and actions around inclusion. His advocacy, leadership and lived commitment to equity strongly demonstrate the skills, capabilities and passion that the Excellence in Modified SACE Award seeks to recognise.

Governor of South Australia Commendation – Excellence Awards

Meharpreet Kaur Bains – St Ignatius’ College
A gifted communicator and exceptional leader, Mehar combines academic excellence with service and advocacy. She has 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.

Shubham Bhatt – Sacred Heart College
Deputy House Captain Shubham is an outstanding student and leader with a passion for STEM and sustainability. Achieving top results in Stage 2 Mathematics and Physics, he also completed university-level computer science studies and earned multiple Dux awards. A dedicated mentor and community contributor, Shubham balances academic excellence, leadership and sport with humility and generosity.

Emma Choi – Loreto College
A state winner of Lions Youth of the Year, Emma excels 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 has led with humility as an SRC Executive Leader and debating coach. Emma’s dedication to learning and justice positions her as a future changemaker.

Gabrielle Lourdes Elias – St Ignatius’ College
College Co-Captain and social justice advocate Gabrielle has supported mental health and wellbeing initiatives while excelling academically. A highly awarded debater and writer, she has also engaged in service immersion in the Tiwi Islands and will return in 2026 for an extended placement. Gabrielle’s leadership reflects compassion, global awareness and a commitment to meaningful change.

Leo French – Cabra Dominican College
A talented musician, poet and scholar, Leo has achieved A+ grades across Stage 2 subjects and High Distinctions in university studies. He has represented young people through UN 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
An accomplished music leader, Teresa has 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.

Grace Leonello – Thomas More College
As College Captain, Grace has led fundraising and social justice initiatives supporting causes such as malaria relief and domestic violence awareness. She has 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.

Jasmin Low – St Aloysius College
A sustainability and social justice champion, Jasmin earned recognition for her Research Project on Formula 1’s net zero goals and their relevance to Australia’s climate targets. As a published motorsport journalist, she has represented Australia alongside international media and actively promotes cultural awareness through reconciliation initiatives at her school.

Holly Paech – St Francis de Sales College
College Captain and President of Faith in Action, Holly balances 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, exemplifying empathy and resilience.

Amalea Steel – St Columba College
College Captain in 2025, Amalea is a passionate advocate for cultural understanding and reconciliation. Having attended multiple schools due to her family’s military background, she has led with authenticity, contributing to her school’s Reconciliation Action Plan and promoting Aboriginal perspectives through meaningful initiatives and leadership.

Mateja Tolo – Nazareth College
Mateja 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 has used creative approaches such as dance to empower neurodiverse students, reflecting empathy, organisation and ethical leadership.

Alecs Zorz – Rostrevor College
Head Prefect Alecs is an exceptional leader whose achievements span academics, advocacy and service. Excelling across six Stage 2 subjects and university-level studies, he has also led initiatives promoting mental health, gender equality and social justice. A talented orator and committed volunteer, Alecs exemplifies integrity, resilience and compassion.