Community & Business
23 October, 2024
School celebrates students
STUDENT achievement was celebrated as St Stephen’s Catholic College held their Celebration of Excellence night last week, recognising the individual efforts of students from Years 7-12.
The night highlighted student achievement across the board from academic, to sport, business, art, community, trade and bursary awards.
A multitude of awards were handed out on the night and one of the highlights was Tully Smith and Ella Daven receiving the more sought-after awards.
Tully Smith received the Rotary All-Rounder award and the Principal’s Medal for Academic Excellence.
The Rotary All-Rounder Award is presented to a Year 12 student who achieves the best all-round performance across the areas of academics, sport, culture and citizenship activities.
“Tully is the epitome of an all-rounder. She has achieved high marks in subjects such as specialist maths, physics and chemistry, as well as being a UQ Science Ambassador in 2023,” principal Gary Conwell said.
“Her cultural achievements include her attendance at dance eisteddfods and playing lead roles in multiple end-of-year productions.
“Tully has also been a part of community bands that have played at ANZAC ceremonies and the Mossman Show.
“She also assisted her community at bushfire fundraising sales, clean-ups on beaches and is a Grade 3 dance teacher at St Andrew’s.”
The Principal’s Medal for Academic Excellence is awarded to the student who has the highest internal results across Year 12.
“Tully has demonstrated dedication to her studies across the year with results in chemistry equally 100% and only dropping one mark in biology and physics across her three internal pieces of assessment,” principal Conwell said.
“Tully also received the subject awards for chemistry and physics and an Academic Excellence Award.
The Sr Mary Stephen Memorial Award was one of multiple awards school captain Ella Daven received throughout the night. This award was presented to her by Bishop Joe Caddy.
“Sr Mary Stephen was a community member who made a very significant impact on the lives of students, staff, parents and all those whom she met. She was a model of courage, compassion and understanding, humility, and respect, all the values we hold dear at St Stephen’s Catholic College,” principal Conwell said.
“This year’s Sr Mary Stephen Memorial Award recipient has been a thoughtful and reflective student who always sought to do her best.
“As a Mission Captain in Year 11 and school captain in Year 12, Ella has been dedicated to leading with compassion and faith, inspired by the teachings of Christ.
“Ella’s participation in school masses is very important to her, Catholic Education Week also allowed her to further represent the school in the greater community.
“She also represented the college at the bishop’s ordination, a significant event that deepened her understanding of Christian service.
“Ella’s involvement in fundraising for charities, particularly through Rosies, reflects her commitment to almsgiving and helping those less fortunate.
