Established in 1999 by Edward Bede Cardinal Clancy the Archbishop’s awards are an annual recognition of some of the outstanding young men and women in Catholic Schools.

Below are the Sydney Catholic Schools’ recipients of the Archbishop of Sydney Awards for Student Excellence 2021.

Student photo Student details
Shanessa Mascarenhas All Saints Catholic College Casula

Shanessa Mascarenhas
All Saints Catholic College Casula

Shanessa Mascarenhas

All Saints Catholic College Casula

Shanessa Mascarenhas is a committed Catholic, who actively practices her faith within the parish communities of All Saints, Liverpool, and St Francis Xavier, Lurnea. Shanessa has volunteered her time and service in various roles in these parishes, including singing in the choir, reading, helping with the All Saints Encounter Youth Group for students in Year Five and Six, as well as attending the Antioch Youth Group to nurture her own faith development. While at school, Shanessa has attended the ‘Be the Light’ Youth Ministry, a school-based youth ministry group, where she has engaged in some school-based social justice and community service initiatives, and prayer opportunities for her own faith development. She has also trained to become a Catechist, though COVID-19 has prevented active service in this role in the local public school. Shanessa’s strong faith and love of Christ is evident through her engagement in parish and school activities.

Christopher Hamilton Aquinas Catholic College Menai

Christopher Hamilton Aquinas Catholic College Menai

Christopher Hamilton

Aquinas Catholic College Menai

Christopher Hamilton is an outstanding young man of faith and action who actively participates in the life and mission of his Parish of Holy Family, Menai and within the Aquinas community. As a committed parishioner, Christopher serves his parish through the preparation and delivery of audio-visual presentations for weekend Mass, is involved in the Parish Youth Group and assists with fundraising initiatives including a trivia night. He provides spiritual support to his peers, exemplified by sponsoring a catechumen and going above and beyond to transport him to Mass weekly. Within his school community Christopher models his faith as an active participant in liturgical celebrations through reading and serving the wider community, and through social justice initiatives including Caritas Australia. Christopher exemplifies his Christian witness as a student who actively lives the College motto – Enlivened by the Spirit.

Priscilla Zanak Bethany College Hurstville

Priscilla Zanak
Bethany College Hurstville

Priscilla Zanak

Bethany College Hurstville

Priscilla Zanak is a kind and compassionate young woman of deep faith. Priscilla takes her Student Leadership role as Religious Education and Mission Captain of Bethany College very seriously. She is actively involved in the religious dimension of the College, undertaking reading and service ministries during liturgical celebrations and whole school events. Priscilla has often sought time in the College Chapel during the school day and spent much time in prayer and reflection during the Year 12 Retreat. Priscilla gives witness to her faith as an active member in the Parish of St Declan’s Penshurst. She attends Mass weekly, is an altar server and has been involved in ‘Jesus Light of the World’ Ministry retreats, Alpha Youth Program 2020 and Y- Factor 2018. Priscilla embodies the College motto – Act justly, love tenderly and walk humbly with your God, beyond her College life.

Chiara Pagani Bethlehem College Ashfield

Chiara Pagani
Bethlehem College Ashfield

Chiara Pagani

Bethlehem College Ashfield

Chiara Pagani is a young woman of faith and action. Chiara has a wonderful heart and is always willing to help others. Her commitment to her faith is clearly illustrated not only by her enthusiastic involvement and contribution to the Catholic life of Bethlehem College, but also through a very active participation in her parish and the wider Church community. She is an active member of her Catholic community, the Neocatechumenal Way. She attends retreats multiple times a year and has participated in public missions in the park, inviting people to listen to the Word of God and gather in morning prayer. She participates in youth groups and attended World Youth Day Panama in 2019. She often gives catechesis and shares her own life story. Her family was sent ‘on mission’ to Australia from Italy and, along with them, Chiara is devoted to fulfilling this mission of Christ, to spread the word of God.

Juanita Bailey Brigidine College Randwick

Juanita Bailey
Brigidine College Randwick

Juanita Bailey

Brigidine College Randwick

Juanita Bailey is a young student who actively participates in the faith life of the College and parish community of St Bernard’s, Botany. She brings her faith to life in her regular participation in Mass and monthly youth programs including Sunday catechesis. She holds a strong passion for social justice evidenced in her contributions to initiatives at the College and is characterised by her service to the poor and oppressed in the broader community. Juanita draws on her deep faith in her daily life and her presence influences others in the community to follow her.

Cassandra Cecconi Casimir College Marrickville

Cassandra Cecconi
Casimir College Marrickville

Cassandra Cecconi

Casimir College Marrickville

Cassandra Cecconi is a young lady with a strong commitment to her faith and an unwavering dedication to social justice issues. Cassandra is a person of action who participates in all areas of the liturgical and evangelical life of Casimir Catholic College. She is an active member in her Parish of All Hallows Five Dock. She is a member of the Church’s Youth Group where she engages in discussions around prayer, bible passages and the lives of the Saints, drawing from these life inspirations on how to live justly and empathetically. She also assists with the leadership of the children’s liturgy which occurs every Sunday morning. In word and in action, Cassandra reflects the true essence of servant leadership and is compassionate and thoughtful to the needs of others.

Mitchell Heywood Champagnat College Pagewood

Mitchell Heywood
Champagnat College Pagewood

Mitchell Heywood

Champagnat College Pagewood

Mitchell Heywood is to be commended for his outstanding contribution to the spiritual and liturgical dimension of College life at Champagnat Catholic College. As School Captain, Mitchell has led the College in all liturgical events and Masses with poise, humility and dignity. He is to be commended for his leadership with his facilitation of various Lenten fundraisers, charity drives and school reflection days. He is also a member of the school bible study group. Mitchell has demonstrated an ability to live out Christian values in the broader community through his involvement in parish life at Our Lady of the Annunciation in Pagewood where he attends weekly Mass and weekly bible study sessions. Mitchell is also an attendee of the Neocatechumenal Way.

James Papic Clancy College West Hoxton

James‌ ‌Papic‌
Clancy Catholic College West Hoxton

James‌ ‌Papic‌

Clancy Catholic College West Hoxton

As a Leader of Catholic Life, James Papic is an authentic witness to his personal faith, encouraging all members of the Clancy community ‘To Love Like Christ’ in their daily words and actions. James is actively involved in various ministries within his parish and College communities, including the proclamation of the Word and assisting those in the Music Ministry within the parish. He contributes significantly to the wider life of the College, regularly using and sharing his gifts and giving his time to assist others. He seeks to nourish and live out his faith through participation in a variety of youth ministry initiatives, including the 2019 Australian Catholic Youth Festival. James is an integral part of various College social justice and evangelisation activities, regularly leading the community in prayer and inspiring others to be the hands of Christ in the world today.

Gabriella Ofria De La Salle College Cronulla

Gabrielle Ofria
De La Salle College Cronulla

Gabrielle Ofria

De La Salle College Cronulla

Gabrielle Ofria promotes the mission and work of the Catholic faith community as a volunteer Catechist and evangelising Year One students at Burraneer Bay Public school, teaching scripture weekly. She has also supported Confirmation candidates preparing to receive the sacrament. Gabrielle is actively engaged in her faith journey with regular worship, participation in youth ministry and Christian holiday camps. She has represented the College at various Sunday Youth Masses at St Aloysius parish and volunteered in liturgies at the College, including Ash Wednesday, Easter and Founder’s Day. Gabrielle also contributes to the Catholic faith life of the College as a Lasallian Youth Leader, where she organises and promotes social justice initiatives for Caritas and the St Vincent de Paul Society Appeals and Sleep Out. As a leader, Gabrielle also promotes stewardship within the College and initiatives including R U OK? and Harmony Days as a way to live out the Catholic values of compassion and community.

Francesco Penna De La Salle College Ashfield

Francesco Penna
De La Salle College Ashfield

Francesco Penna

De La Salle College Ashfield

Francesco Penna is a dedicated Catholic and proud Lasallian. Francesco is always heavily involved in the preparation and running of College Masses and voluntarily attends the College’s Chapel Mass every Wednesday. He, as College Captain, encourages the students to develop and practice their faith, through serving the community in almsgiving and other charitable works. He is a passionate leader of his College and strives to epitomise the 2021 College theme of Faith, Service and Community. He is an optimistic individual and is proud to be a Salvation Army Red Shield Volunteer and is actively involved in St Vincent de Paul Society Appeals. He is a regular attendee of Mass at his local Parish of St Joan of Arc, Haberfield. Francesco demonstrates the qualities of a young Catholic leader and is the embodiment of our College motto, Esto Vir – To be the best man you can be.

Stephen‌ ‌Georgakopoulos‌ De‌ ‌La‌ ‌Salle‌ ‌College‌ ‌Revesby‌ ‌Heights‌ ‌

Stephen‌ ‌Georgakopoulos‌
De‌ ‌La‌ ‌Salle‌ ‌College‌ ‌Revesby‌ ‌Heights‌ ‌

Stephen‌ ‌Georgakopoulos‌

De‌ ‌La‌ ‌Salle‌ ‌College‌ ‌Revesby‌ ‌Heights‌ ‌ ‌

Stephen Georgakopoulos has been outstanding in his contribution to his Parish of St Patrick’s, Revesby Heights in his welcoming ministry, liturgical participation and in the parish working bee. Stephen powerfully bears witness to his faith as a Lasallian Youth Leader: taking a leadership role at the Year 7 retreat, supporting school fundraising, and through his participation in and leadership of the Youth Group at St Therese Catholic Parish, Padstow. Through his active involvement with Australian Catholic Youth Festival in Perth, Lasallian events and in many social justice initiatives, Stephen has made a significant contribution to the Catholic life of the College and has completed the Christian Mission Faith in Action Program of community service. His modest and gentle nature is highly valued and he exemplifies resilience to overcome significant challenges through his generosity of heart. Stephen is an exceptional man of quiet faith and humbly proclaims the Gospel by his life.

Madeleine Hextell Domremy College Five Dock

Madeleine Hextell
Domremy College Five Dock

Madeleine Hextell

Domremy College Five Dock

Madeleine Hextell, the College Faith Prefect, is a well deserving recipient of this award. Madeleine is a self-motivated and hardworking young lady who actively contributes to the Catholic life of the College and parish community. She stands out as a student of integrity and faith, who is prepared to give of herself. Madeleine assists with leading Wednesday morning prayer at assemblies and attends the weekly recitation of the Rosary before school in the Chapel. During Year Eleven she was a Catechist at Five Dock Public School, until the program was interrupted due to COVID-19. Madeleine has consistently been an altar server at school Masses and in her Parish of All Hallows’, Five Dock. As a member of the College Social Justice Committee, she has made contributions to serving the wider community through promotion and encouragement of various initiatives such as the St Vincent de Paul Society Snack Pack making at the College. She attends Mass on Sundays at her parish and is a member of the Parish Youth Group. For these reasons we are delighted to nominate Madeleine for this award.

Gabriel Liu Eileen O’Connor Catholic College Lewisham

Gabriel Liu
Eileen O’Connor Catholic College Lewisham

Gabriel Liu

Eileen O’Connor Catholic College Lewisham

Gabriel Liu enthusiastically participates in liturgies at Eileen O’Connor Catholic College, showing reverence during prayer and offering to read in Church. He continually develops his faith by participating in weekly Mass and Church activities in his own Parish of St Monica’s, North Parramatta. He has completed the Easter pilgrimage night walk with St Monica’s parishioners and joined in the celebration Mass at St Patrick’s Cathedral, Parramatta.

Recently, Gabriel has joined Church activities such as the meditation group, morning tea group and the family and prayer retreat at St Paul’s International College. He is a member of the Church Youth Group and attends weekly youth group meetings and faith sharing exercises on Sundays. He is a volunteer community worker in his local area. Gabriel is looking forward to joining the School Leavers Support Program to help him join the food industry. He loves sharing his faith, his singing and his cooking with many in the community.

Saviola Rafoo Freeman Catholic College Bonnyrigg Heights

Saviola Rafoo
Freeman Catholic College Bonnyrigg Heights

Saviola Rafoo

Freeman Catholic College Bonnyrigg Heights

Saviola Rafoo is a young woman of faith and spirit. Saviola participates in all aspects of religious life, both in her parish and in the College. In her Parish of St John the Baptist, Bonnyrigg Heights she has been an altar server and a member of the parish youth group and the youth group at St Thomas the Apostle Chaldean Parish at Bossley Park. In addition, she is a student Catechist and has responsibility for social justice initiatives as a member of the Student Representative Council. Saviola proclaims the Good News to all she meets in word and deed.

Allison Vella Good Samaritan College Hinchinbrook

Allison Vella
Good Samaritan College Hinchinbrook

Allison Vella

Good Samaritan College Hinchinbrook

Allison Vella is a member of the Parish of John the Baptist Bonnyrigg Heights where she regularly attends Mass, assists with audio visuals, participates in Children’s Christmas liturgies and attends numerous youth camps. She has had a long involvement in all College liturgies, social justice activities and Catholic life initiatives. She attended Australian Catholic Youth Festival 2019, participated in numerous evangelisation days and is a foundation member and current leader of the Encounter Youth Group. Allison’s presence at Friday Masses, Eucharist Adoration and Rosary underpins her Catholic faith leadership and makes her a strong role model. We commend to you Allison who truly, ‘Journeys with Compassion.’

Seamus Cronin Holy‌ ‌Cross‌ ‌College‌ ‌Ryde‌

Seamus Cronin
Holy‌ ‌Cross‌ ‌College‌ ‌Ryde‌

Seamus Cronin

Holy‌ ‌Cross‌ ‌College‌ ‌Ryde‌ ‌

Seamus Cronin is a practicing Catholic who attends Mass at St Charles Borromeo Ryde Gladesville Parish on a weekly basis. Seamus is an extremely active member of the parish having been an altar server since 2012 and serving weekly at St Charles Borromeo and at the College’s weekly Wednesday morning Mass. He has also served in proclaiming the Word, Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion and recently has helped with the organisation of major parish events, including the Stations of the Cross, the Ordination of Brother Stephen Drum to the Diaconate and many other events. In addition, Seamus is a leader of the local parish youth group ‘SPARC’. In his role as Social Justice Counsellor at Holy Cross, Seamus has organised fundraising events for Project Compassion, St Vincent de Paul Society and the Delany Foundation. Seamus has attended a large number of major faith-based events including World Youth Day Panama, Australian Catholic Youth Festival Perth, Ignite Conference, Y Factor and iSTAND Youth Camp. Seamus is a young man of tremendous faith who epitomises our calling to be disciples of Christ.

Veronica Ayoub Holy Spirit College Lakemba

Veronica Ayoub
Holy Spirit College Lakemba

Veronica Ayoub

Holy Spirit College Lakemba

Veronica Ayoub is a very impressive young woman of faith. Veronica is an active member in the Parish of St Joseph’s Maronite Catholic Church, Croydon where she regularly worships and is involved with the youth group through a range of fundraising and volunteering activities. At school she has worked with the Sisters of St Joseph supporting refugees through the House of Welcome. Most recently she attended a weekend camp supporting young children of refugee families who need respite. She is never one to draw attention to herself and the many contributions she makes both at school and in the wider community. Veronica is a young woman who brings to life an understanding of both faith and good works in all that she does.

Fares Geha LaSalle College Bankstown

Fares Geha
LaSalle College Bankstown

Fares Geha

LaSalle College Bankstown

Fares Geha actively participates in experiences that express Gospel values. The range of experiences include serving as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion, an involvement in Youth Group, participating in the Easter liturgy, as a Catechist aide and altar server and, as a reader in liturgies both within the LaSalle Catholic College community and his local Parish of St John the Beloved Melkite Catholic Church, Greenacre. He has enthusiastically involved himself in wider Church events such as Australian Catholic Youth Festival, running workshops for the Lasallian Youth gatherings, and participating in the Corpus Christi procession. He is also a regular contributor to fetes and fundraisers such as the St Vincent de Paul Society Winter Appeal and Project Compassion. He has also volunteered to conduct presentations to the College community that deal with issues that promote a sense of pride and community. These acts of service reflect Fares’ genuine desire to hear the call of Christian service.

Ari Tjandra Marcellin College Randwick

Ari Tjandra
Marcellin College Randwick

Ari Tjandra

Marcellin College Randwick

Ari Tjandra is a charming young man of deep faith. Ari is an active member of the St Andrew’s Parish at Malabar where he has been an altar server for many years. Ari attended World Youth Day in 2019 and left an impact with everyone he met. He also attended the Australian Catholic Youth Festival in Perth in 2019. Ari is the College’s Solidarity Leader for 2021 and is a keen supporter of all of the school’s Ministry programs. He is a talented musician and always supports the College’s Music Ministry by performing at College liturgies. He also assists at the College Class Masses held on Friday mornings, and was trained as a Catechist in 2019. Ari is an active participant in the life, mission and work of his Catholic faith community and exemplifies the Marist values of ‘presence’ and ‘humility’.

Matthew Vlazny Marist College Eastwood

Matthew Vlazny
Marist College Eastwood

Matthew Vlazny

Marist College Eastwood

Matthew Vlazny is a hard-working and exemplary student who has been an excellent ambassador for Catholic life and values at Marist College Eastwood. In Matthew’s senior year he was elected as Leader of Religious Life. He has an empathy for social justice issues and regularly recognises the need to help others. At all times he bears witness to his own faith journey through service to the College and his local parish. Matthew is a member of St Anthony’s Parish, Marsfield where he serves as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion, and is the first to assist at liturgies held at the College. Matthew embodies qualities of the Marist Charism by doing good quietly, and daily striving to follow in the way of Jesus through Mary.

Charbel‌ ‌Rached‌ Marist‌ ‌College‌ ‌Kogarah‌

Charbel‌ ‌Rached‌
Marist‌ ‌College‌ ‌Kogarah‌

Charbel‌ ‌Rached‌

Marist‌ ‌College‌ ‌Kogarah‌

Charbel Rached is a humble young man deep in faith with a sense of purpose to help those around him. This is evident as he is actively involved in all dimensions of religious life at the College and in the many parishes in which he and his family are involved. He participates in all school liturgies with enthusiasm and serves as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion. He has participated in College fundraisers which are at the core of the Marist Charism, such as Champagnat Week Religious Events. He is also a member of the College Student Leadership Team where he continues to help guide young men through their faith journey. Charbel, outside of College life, is a parishioner at St Bernadette’s Catholic Church Carlton, St Michael’s Catholic Church Hurstville, St Luke’s Catholic Church Revesby, St Ambrose Catholic Church Concord West and St Charbel’s Catholic Maronite Church Punchbowl. Here, he is an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion, reader, altar server, a sacramental leader, a member of the choir as well as participating in community events such as the processions of the Station of the Cross during Lent. He is a member of the Parish Youth Group and serves within the parishes by participating in various Church events such as, Eucharstic Adoration, Living Rosary Group and Divine Mercy Sunday liturgical participation. Charbel has found his calling to contribute to the many dimensions of the Church and displays qualities of a young man striving to continue the ministry of Jesus Christ.

Gabriela Shashati Marist Catholic College Penshurst

Gabriela Shashati
Marist Catholic College Penshurst

Gabriela Shashati

Marist Catholic College Penshurst

Gabriela Shashati is a College Ministry Leader who embodies our school motto – To know and to love, in everything that she does. She is a young lady of faith and service and is dedicated to leading liturgy and social justice in the College and her parish. Gabriela demonstrates her commitment to her Catholic faith through her involvement in St Declan’s Parish Penshurst, where she has served the community through her role as an altar server, leading the Alpha Youth Program and St Declan’s Youth Group, along with regularly attending Mass where she participates in the music ministry. Her participation in the Social Justice Committee and leadership of various fundraising initiatives such as Project Compassion and St Vincent de Paul Society Winter and Christmas Appeals, shows her strong sense of justice. Her participation in the various Marist Super connect forums throughout her senior years demonstrates her commitment to Marist Charism. Through her leadership of ministry in the College she has given witness to the Gospel values and this is evident through her role as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion.

Harrison Edwards Marist College North Shore

Harrison Edwards
Marist College North Shore

Harrison Edwards

Marist College North Shore

Harrison Edwards has been a student at Marist Catholic College North Shore for the past six years. During his time at the College Harrison’s contribution to the community, maturity and capacity for leadership have culminated in him being the Faith and Solidarity Captain of the College in 2021.

Harrison has a strong sense of faith which is evident through his service to the school and the broader community. He performs tasks and actively seeks ways to authentically and modestly serve the community as the Faith and Solidarity Leader. Already this year Harrison has led the student body in the Caritas Lenten Appeal, the College daily prayer, and has been instrumental in driving the student leadership team to create opportunities for service. Harrison is an inspiring role model who champions the Marist characteristic of ‘love of work’ to all.

Arielle‌ ‌Bonserio‌ Marist Sisters’ College Woolwich

Arielle‌ ‌Bonserio‌
Marist Sisters’ College Woolwich

Arielle‌ ‌Bonserio‌

Marist Sisters’ College Woolwich

Arielle Bonserio is a young woman of exceptional faith, as evidenced by her witness, dedication and commitment to the Catholic and spiritual life of Marist Sisters’ College. In her role as House Liturgy Captain, Arielle regularly leads the College in prayer and assists with College and House liturgies. Arielle is an enthusiastic advocate in each of the College Social Justice and Faith-In-Action groups. She generously engages in Marist Youth Ministry events which have included the Australian Catholic Youth Festival Perth in 2019. As a committed parishioner, Arielle is an altar server at Holy Spirit Parish North Ryde. In addition, she is a regular participant in parish events such as Stations of the Cross, Holy Thursday liturgy and the Parish Sacramental Program. Within the College community, Arielle is a highly regarded faith leader. Her actions consistently reflect the College motto – Goodness above all.

Jane Awad Mary Mackillop College Wakeley

Jane Awad
Mary Mackillop College Wakeley

Jane Awad

Mary Mackillop College Wakeley

Jane Awad is a faith-filled, caring young woman and a practising Catholic of the Parish of St Gertrude’s, Smithfield where she is a reader, volunteer and involved in youth group events. Jane also assists with a range of parish initiatives and has supported the Parish Priest by promoting these initiatives with the youth. Jane is the College Captain of Mary MacKillop Catholic College and uses her position to actively encourage students to be involved in the faith formation and social justice initiatives of the College. It is her commitment to Christian values, as demonstrated through her leadership, where she leads with compassion and a deep generosity and commitment to others, that Jane truly gives witness to a life centred on Christ. As a true MacKillop woman, Jane leads more by example than word. She attends morning Mass, Rosary and Chaplet of Divine Mercy weekly and assists the priests and staff by ensuring that the Chapel is set up for these liturgies. Jane is a regular participant in the College’s Courage, Bible Study, Faith Q & A, Lenten and Advent programs, and actively involved in the St Vincent de Paul Society initiatives. She supports activities which heighten awareness and fundraising for Refugee Week, Project Compassion, St Vincent de Paul Society and Reconciliation Week. Jane nurtures her spirituality by her involvement in evangelisation events including Australian Catholic Youth Festival and EastFest.

Violet Cabral Mount St Joseph Milperra

Violet Cabral
Mount St Joseph Milperra

Violet Cabral

Mount St Joseph Milperra

Occupying the newly introduced student leadership position of Social Justice Captain for 2021, Violet is a passionate and enthusiastic advocate for social justice. Her active and invitational approach to living out her faith is evident in her participation in liturgies, World Youth Day, and her work as a Student Evangelisation Ambassador within the College for the last five years. Violet’s work has resulted in her growing and enlivening the faith life of Mount St Joseph students. In her role as Youth Group Leader for 2021 for her Parish of St Luke the Evangelist Revesby, she also helps primary school students to understand and deepen their own faith. She has been an active member of the Josephite Action Group since 2019 where she works alongside the Sisters of St Joseph in their mission to take action in welcoming and supporting refugees upon their arrival to Australia. Violet’s dedication to the ongoing work of the Sisters of St Joseph marks her as a true Mount St Joseph woman and an inspiration for future Catholic youth.

Julia Trassari Our‌ ‌Lady‌ ‌of‌ ‌the‌ ‌Sacred‌ ‌Heart‌ ‌College‌ ‌Kensington‌

Julia Trassari
Our‌ ‌Lady‌ ‌of‌ ‌the‌ ‌Sacred‌ ‌Heart‌ ‌College‌ ‌Kensington‌

Julia Trassari

Our‌ ‌Lady‌ ‌of‌ ‌the‌ ‌Sacred‌ ‌Heart‌ ‌College‌ ‌Kensington‌

Julia Trassari has been a role model for the students of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart College. She is genuinely committed to living the Gospel values as demonstrated in her commitment to the Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Pillars for Education. As the College Liturgy Captain, Julia has coordinated and assisted our altar servers for College liturgies, overseen prayer for College assemblies and SRC meetings. During the restrictions of 2020, Julia organised Christmas cards for all the Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Sisters in the convent and the neighbouring nursing home. She also played a role in collecting, packing and delivering donations for Christmas hampers. Julia has also lived out Catholic Social Teaching this year through running the ‘Push Up Challenge’ raising awareness for mental health. Julia lives out her faith as a parishioner at St Bernard’s Botany, where she has participated in the parish choir, ‘kid’s church’, assisting with counting and morning teas.

Minh Quang Nguyen Patrician Brothers’ College Fairfield

Minh Quang Nguyen
Patrician Brothers’ College Fairfield

Minh Quang Nguyen

Patrician Brothers’ College Fairfield

Minh Quang Nguyen demonstrates great initiative in supporting the religious life of the College and his local parish. Minh’s service to liturgical music and volunteering for numerous school events, such as Open Evenings and Information Nights, are evidence of his active witness to his values. He humbly gives of himself to the broader Church through his contributions to the altar serving program at Sacred Heart, Cabramatta, where he is a consistent contributor to this service. His participation in parish charitable works, youth events and service to the Patrician Brothers’ in the maintenance of the monastery grounds, through the College Stewardship Program, is testament to Minh’s exemplary role-modelling of how to be an authentic and humble young Catholic today.

Christy Azzi Southern Cross Vocational Catholic College Burwood

Christy Azzi
Southern Cross Vocational Catholic College Burwood

Christy Azzi

Southern Cross Vocational Catholic College Burwood

Christy Azzi is an active member in the Parish of St Joseph’s, Belmore. Christy is part of the choir, participates in Eucharist Adoration and prepares food for the parish initiated Night Patrol, also volunteering for Catholic Care disability services. She is also a member of Prayer and Picnic at the College on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Christy always volunteers for reading or assisting with liturgies and Masses at the College. She has a very generous nature that extends not only to social outreach but in her treatment of others on a daily basis. She sees her work and time for the Church as a way of life. Christy is proud of her contribution to the College and her parish.

Kate‌ ‌O'Sullivan‌ St Clare’s College Waverley

Kate‌ ‌O’Sullivan‌
St Clare’s College Waverley

Kate‌ ‌O’Sullivan‌

St Clare’s College Waverley

Kate O’Sullivan, as a woman of faith, has displayed a determination to be involved in the Catholic life of the school, to strive for her personal best and to live life to the full. Kate is the first to volunteer when help is needed. She truly demonstrates the love of Christ through her words and her actions. Kate has been involved in a variety of youth ministry and social justice initiatives at the College including running the Alpha Youth Program for students in the younger year groups. She displays strong leadership qualities and is exceptional in the manner in which she gives witness to her faith by supporting the most vulnerable members of our community. An example of this was in her leadership of the Darkness Into Light Walk for Youth Mental Health. She is an active member of Mary Immaculate Parish, Waverley and is a regular attendee of the local activate youth group. Kate’s personal resilience inspires all and she is well admired by staff, fellow students and others within the community.

Hannah McMahon St John Bosco College Engadine

Hannah McMahon
St John Bosco College Engadine

Hannah McMahon

St John Bosco College Engadine

Hannah McMahon generously contributes to her St John Bosco community as a reader, altar server, singer, musician and actor. Hannah shares her creative gifts across parish life. A member of Antioch and a Youth Leader, she organises fundraisers, prayers, camps and retreats. As College Vice Captain, Hannah is passionate, committed and authentic, modelling her faith by sharing personal testimony and participating in liturgies, prayer groups, social justice initiatives and three hundred hours of community service. Hannah has represented the College at forums, webinars and luncheons with the Archbishop and the Ignite Youth Conference. Hannah is an exemplary student, outstanding leader and a proud, dedicated witness to her faith.

George‌ ‌Annas‌ St Mary’s Cathedral College Sydney

George‌ ‌Annas‌
St Mary’s Cathedral College Sydney

George‌ ‌Annas‌

St Mary’s Cathedral College Sydney

George Annas has made an outstanding contribution to St Mary’s Cathedral College Sydney. During his time at St Mary’s, George has immersed himself in the faith life of the school community. He has been an active participant in the Matthew Talbot Hostel Outreach Program, social justice initiatives and community service in and around the College. He has represented the College in Debating and Public Speaking with much success.
George, as a testament to the respect amongst his peers and staff alike, was elected as College Captain, a leadership position that he has fulfilled diligently with aplomb and maturity. He has been a positive role model to many students in the College and is committed to living the Gospel values in his everyday dealings with his peers. George is also involved in the Parish of St Brigid’s Coogee, where he volunteers as a reader. A generous and amicable young man, George is a worthy recipient of this award.

Alana Forrester St Patrick’s College Sutherland

Alana Forrester
St Patrick’s College Sutherland

Alana Forrester

St Patrick’s College Sutherland

Alana Forrester has a sense of purpose to help those around her and in Fr Dan McCaughan’s words “is a wonderful model of Christ, in prayer and service”. Alana has served the College and parish communities by welcoming parishioners and assisting Fr John Greig in the preparation of the Church for Sunday Mass each week, and also volunteering for Catechist classes in the local state schools. Alana has been involved in various faith formation opportunities, attending the Australian Catholic Youth Festival, and is an active College Vice-Captain participating in many social justice initiatives including the Saint Vincent de Paul Society Winter Appeal and St Patrick’s College ‘Caritas K’s’ walkathon campaign.

Elizabeth‌ ‌Rolls‌ St‌ ‌Ursula’s‌ ‌College‌ ‌Kingsgrove‌

Elizabeth‌ ‌Rolls‌
St‌ ‌Ursula’s‌ ‌College‌ ‌Kingsgrove‌

Elizabeth‌ ‌Rolls‌

St‌ ‌Ursula’s‌ ‌College‌ ‌Kingsgrove‌

Elizabeth Rolls is involved in many ministries in her Parish of St Luke the Evangelist, Revesby. Elizabeth plays violin for music ministry, leads children’s liturgy, is an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion and an occasional reader of the Word. She has assisted with the Parish Feast Day and anniversary celebrations as well as continuing her involvement with her primary school, playing at Year Six Graduation Masses, and altar serving at celebrations of the Sacraments. At the College, Elizabeth is Co-Captain of the Amaroo Committee which oversees student rostering of the reading of the Angelus, and organises activities for Harmony Week and R U OK? Week. She has contributed to fundraising and awareness for Caritas, CWF and St Vincent de Paul Society Appeals. Elizabeth is involved in College Masses and liturgies as a reader and regularly assists as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion at Friday morning Mass. Elizabeth attended the Ignite Conference, Australian Catholic Youth Festival Perth 2019 and took part in the St Ursula’s Indigenous Immersion to Santa Teresa Parish in the Northern Territory in 2019.

Abigail Adriano Trinity College Auburn

Abigail Adriano
Trinity College Auburn

Abigail Adriano

Trinity College Auburn

Abigail Adriano plays a significant role in leadership and in the liturgical life of her parish and School. Abigail has made a significant contribution to the Parish of St John of God, Auburn as a leader of the parish choir, where she generously offers the great gift of her voice in her ongoing commitment to the 8am and 10am Sunday Masses. Abigail has also worked closely with the Parish Priest to develop multicultural initiatives within the parish amongst the Filipino community. At Trinity Catholic College, Abigail has not only made a significant contribution to the music ministry, she has as College Vice Captain, led her peers to raise a significant amount of funds for Catholic Missions such as Catholic Care and Marist Solidarity. Abigail, in working with the Youth Ministry Coordinator, has co-hosted the 2021 “Arise Night” for students of Trinity and other schools, leading the attendees into prayer through her own witness of faith and joy.