Three Year 12 Catholic school students have been awarded a 2021 Student Citizenship Award by the Order of Australia Association, South Australia Branch, for their contribution to citizenship in South Australia.
Congratulations to:
The top 10 students in the state were presented to the Governor of South Australia, Her Excellency the Honourable Frances Adamson AC as the Patron of the Association, at a reception held at Government House on Monday November 29.
Each year, the South Australia branch offers the prestigious Student Citizenship Awards to Year 11 and 12 students who are nominated by their respective schools and colleges.
The awards are intended to recognise those young people who contribute broadly through voluntary service to school and/or the general community. They exemplify the Association’s objective “to foster love of and pride in Australian citizenship”.
To be in the running for an award, students must be nominated. Winners are selected by an adjudication panel based on a broad range of criteria that recognises and assesses the nature of service to their school and community, along with leadership and pride in citizenship, in particular:
As the 2021 College Captain, Year 12 student Kanika was nominated by Suzanne Sullivan, Director of Students at Mount Carmel College, which was supported by principal John Konopka for the ‘exceptional’ way in which she has undertaken all aspects of the College Captain role this year, including her active involvement with mentoring younger students.
“Kanika is an outstanding leader in the way she works with her peers, and facilitates initiatives that benefit the community,” said Suzanne.
Kanika was instrumental in establishing a breakfast club at the school this year, as several students were coming to school hungry. Kanika worked in collaboration with the Year 12 Coordinator to access food from FoodBank, set up the food and drinks and equipment in the morning, serve at the club and clean-up afterwards.
“She is a team player, who ensures that all voices are heard, and feel valued, with a deep commitment to supporting the Catholic ethos and Josephite charism of the College,” added Suzanne.
A boarder at Rostrevor College for four years, Year 12 student Jayden was nominated by the College’s Director of Student Welfare, Evan Pezos, for facilitating a variety of house and school activities and initiating programs to foster student welfare. This includes initiatives to raise awareness for the importance of good mental health.
Jayden, the Head Prefect of Boarding, has also worked with Hutt Street Centre, who seek to assist the homeless by providing meals and support.
“Jayden took it upon himself to initiate the Webb House charity Walk a Mile, and undertake a major whole school fundraiser that required the management of 900 students in the walk,” said Evan.
“In all aspects of his life and work, his genuine kindness and compassionate nature shines through. He is a talented and experienced sportsman in all athletic endeavours and encourages others in their pursuits of excellence,” said Evan. “Jayden is a diligent, thoughtful and conscientious student.”
Year 12 student Jordan from Rostrevor College was also nominated by Evan Pezos.
“Jordan is a highly valued member of the Rostrevor College community, who has immersed himself into the school and wider community in a very humble and giving manner,” said Evan. “His empathy for others and his ability to recognise, acknowledge and act upon the needs of others is outstanding for such a young man.”
Evan added that Jordan is inclusive of every single person at the College, regardless of age, nationality or ability.
“He has a very caring and inclusive nature to all his peers and the wider community. Jordan is always respectful and polite and is eager to embrace students who may be from a different culture, struggle to fit in, or have very different interests. He treats them with dignity, admiration and wants to engage with them and learn about their personal stories and interests.”
The top 10 students received an inscribed plaque and certificate signed by Her Excellency the Honourable Frances Adamson AC, Governor of South Australia.
The Chairman of the South Australia Branch of the Order of Australia Association, Mr Tony Metcalf OAM, joined with all association members in congratulating the award recipients.
Congratulations again to Kanika, Jayden and Jordan on your Order of Australia Student Citizenship Award as a recognition of your dedication and hard work.
Congratulations to the very artistic mid-year Reception class at St Joseph’s School, Tranmere for winning the State prize in the CBCA and Royal Australian Mint 2021 Animalia competition.
Each student from the winning class received an Animalia themed library bag and a limited-edition 35th Anniversary of Animalia 20 cent coloured uncirculated coin.
