St Mary's College rewards Year 12 students for academic and sporting achievements

School leaders Grace Jaeger, Maximilian Crowhurst, Emmerson Tull and Tre Martin  were honoured for their “effective leadership, integrity and character”. The award is presented by the ex-students association and is one of the oldest in the history of the college, established by the Sisters of Mercy in 1879.

Emmerson Tull was named Senior of the Year for “scholastic achievements and leadership qualities” and shared the McAuley prize for academic excellence with Eliza Perkins, who also received the ADIG all-rounder award for “outstanding service and contribution to the college in the wider community and extra-curricula activities”. Grace Jaeger was presented with the ADF Long Tan Award - a tribute to the Long Tan veterans -  for leadership, determination, mateship, team work, tenacity and compassion. The Kevin Anderson MP prize for consistent effort went to Sarah Storey.

The O’Driscoll Award, presented by Sr Christine Belling RSM, was awarded to Phoebe Sumpter. This award honours Mother Mary O’Driscoll, the founder of the Gunnedah congregation of the Sisters of Mercy, and recognises a student who reflects the Mercy way of life, and is recognised as a leader by their peers.

The Katrina Ewing Memorial prize for a student “who has been an example of compassion, care and understanding to junior students throughout their high school years” was presented to Zac Rodstrom by Katrina’s parents Bob and Kerry Ewing. A former St Mary’s College Captain, Katrina died tragically in a car accident in 2000.

After the formal HSC examinations, all students who receive a Band 6 result in any subject will be listed in the 2018 NSW HSC honours. These students will be recognised at an assembly early next year. The Dux of St Mary’s College will be awarded at the same assembly based on the student who receives the highest ATAR this year.

The Year 12 awards presentation was held in St Joseph’s Church after the graduation Mass celebrated by Fr John McHugh. In his annual address, Principal Max Quirk described the Class of 2018 as “a class that is true to itself”.

“When I look at you I see tremendous gifts and talents, great academic ability, great sporting achievement, wonderful virtues and inspiring leadership,” he said.

“And I also see human weakness, vulnerability and fragility but above all a maturity beyond your years. You all seem to know who you are and where you fit and that is remarkable for ones so young.”

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Mr Quirk thanked the students for their co-operation and responsible attitude during their final days at St Mary’s, when they enjoyed some fun but also organised and ran Mercy Day activities, raising funds for the St Vincent de Paul Society drought appeal.

“We thank you the parents for entrusting us with the care and education of your children and wish the students joy and blessings in their future lives - our thoughts and prayers go with you as you embark on the next important step in your life’s journey; you are on the road to having a happy, fulfilling and fruitful life,” he said.

Year 12 supervisor Jody Law expressed her deep pride in the students and thanked the parents for their support.

“Each student has enjoyed success and overcome trials in their studies and endeavours but without the unwavering support of parents and the dedication of teachers we would not be here tonight,” Mrs Law said.

“Visitors to our school have commented on the maturity of these students and their ability to articulate all that St Mary’s has to offer. This positivity and maturity will leave a mark long after they leave us.

“You should all be proud of this year group and the contributions they have made to the college - I have thoroughly enjoyed my time as year supervisor, thank you for an amazing two years and good luck in the future.”

Kathleen and William Burke Memorial award for Studies of Religion 2: Emmerson Tull. Knights of the Southern Cross award for Studies of Religion 1: Eliza Perkins. Catholic Studies: Miles Lush.

Lions Club award for Extension 1 and 2 English: Mackenzie Dewsbury. Advanced English: Eliza Perkins. Standard English: Grace Jaeger. English Studies: Isaac Harris.

Sister Casimir Memorial award for Mathematics: Sarah Storey. General Mathematics 2: Emmerson Tull. General 1 Mathematics: Jackson Eyles.

Rotary Club of Gunnedah award for chemistry: Zac Rodstrom. Physics: Zac Rodstrom. Biology: Sarah Storey. Senior Science: Grace Jaeger. VET Primary Industries: Miles Lush.

Northern Inland Credit Union award for Business Studies: Sarah Storey. Modern History: Emmerson Tull. Legal Studies: Emmerson Tull.

GSBC award for Personal Development/Health/Physical Education: Miah Bryant. Community and Family Studies: Miah Bryant. Sport, Lifestyle and Recreation: Miles Lush.

College half-blue for representation at country level, place at NSW Combined Catholic Colleges championships or represented the Armidale Diocese for three years in the same sport: Liam Novley (swimming), Andrew Osmond (tennis), Eliza Perkins (netball).

College Blue, awarded for representing at NSW CCC level or higher: Andrew Osmond (tennis), Eliza Perkins (netball).