Chelsea Adams

Chelsea attended the National Youth Science Forum (NYSF) in Canberra and was subsequently chosen to take part in the NYSF Student Staff Leadership Program in 2024 where she will take on the role of the leader of next year’s group of students. Chelsea is a talented singer and performing artist and mentors younger students at Homework Club each week.  She is also studying two university subjects in the field of criminology. Outside of school, Chelsea is a member of the Waite Youth Advisory to Waite MP Catherine Hutchesson and has participated in the Duke of Edinburgh Program and the Commissioner for Children and Young People’s South Australian Student Representative Council (SA SRC).

Rayhana Al Kilabi

Following a serious accident, Rayhana has overcome an acquired brain injury and mild hearing loss to complete her SACE studies to a high standard. Rayhana speaks and writes Arabic well and supports her family and community by translating between Arabic and English. Although English is her second language, her mastery of English is outstanding. Rayhana has a strong sense of social justice and a clear understanding of the importance of ethics.

Amy Anderson

Amy dedicated her summer holidays to a natural curiosity for biomedical sciences by volunteering for the Flinders Cancer Innovation Centre (FCIC) Bowel Health Service. She had previously undertaken work experience at FCIC, where she learnt about a range of fields within cancer research. Amy has also undertaken university studies in Molecular Basis of Life and Hispology. In addition to her passion for medical sciences, Amy volunteered as a tournament official for Golf Australia at the Men’s and Women’s Pennant Finals in July. Amy also works part-time at a bakery where she strives to serve every customer with a smile and genuine care.

Chenuli Sakithma Basnayake

Chenuli has received school awards for excellence in English Literature and Philosophy. She exceeded in the Australian English Teachers Writing Competition with a third place award for her short story on a young boy who has difficulty learning and speaking. The book lover is a talented member of the school orchestra and choir. She plays the viola. Chenuli has volunteered for the Red Cross and planted trees in the Adelaide Hills following the devastating bushfires in 2020. She is hoping to study medicine.

Stella Cozamanis

Stella is a gifted artist. She has worked with staff to develop their professional skills in video editing. As a boarder at her school, Stella took on the role of Boarding House Photographer and has created dozens of films, photo boards, news articles, and related media. Her family originates from England, Greece and the Ngarrindjeri from the Coorong and lower Murray River. After delving into her family history, Stella unearthed a rich tapestry of both her Aboriginal and Greek heritage.  Stella hopes to work abroad, particularly in Greece, and in a wildlife sanctuary in Africa.

Jessica Craig

In 2023, Jessica was engaged by the Norwood Women’s SANFL league and development teams as the club statistician. In this role, she measures key performance indicators for all players. She was the only South Australian student selected to attend the James Cook University Engineering Futures Camp, during which some of Australia’s brightest minds gained access to a camp program designed to inspire the next generation of engineering whiz kids. 

Sienna Daniell (Murray Bridge)

Sienna is interested in pursuing radiography as well as child psychology and this was an area she focused on for her Research Project. She has a passion for sport and team building and she plays and volunteers in roles such as umpiring, coaching, and working in the canteen for her local netball club. Sienna also works at a local chemist and has completed a Certificate II in Pharmacy.

Emma Deering

Emma has undertaken some Year 12 studies while in Year 11 and is currently completing the Headstart Program at the University of Adelaide - a scholarship program giving high-achieving students the opportunity to study at university while still in Year 12 and have these university studies count towards their SACE and selection rank. Emma is involved in the United Nations SA and while in Year 12 reached the final stages of the Evatt Competition, which is Australia’s most prestigious high school Model UN competition. She was among 1000 delegates who competed in the national finals in Melbourne in November and December.

Wendy (Wenshuo) Dong

In addition to her SACE subjects, Wendy has completed a Certificate III in Community Services.  She participates in school ensembles and performances, where she plays the violin and sings. She is involved in many social justice initiatives within the school community, including serving meals, packaging birthing kits, and cooking for the homeless through Fred’s Van. She also volunteers in the junior years OHSC, where she helps organise activities and assists the younger students with their homework.

Mia Eliseo

Her own experience with suffering and recovering from cancer was the stimulus for Mia’s AIF project on how adolescent females’ fertility might be impacted by chemotherapy. She is an advocate for the Childhood Cancer Association (CCA) and Variety Children’s Charity. In 2021, she developed the idea of a fundraiser and hair donation event, ‘Hair with Heart’, at her school in support of the CCA and other organisations. The event has since grown to include a ‘commUNITY’ walk, the morning before the event. Since 2021, Mia has raised over $20,000 and 50 ponytails. In recognition of her fundraising work, Mia received an Order of Australia Student Citizenship Award.

Olivia Harwood

A talented public speaker, Olivia took on the role of MC at the Catholic Schools Music Festival, the premier arts event for Catholic Education in South Australia showcasing the talents of 2000 students who spend seven months preparing for their moment on stage. In her Activating Identities and Futures (AIF) subjects Olivia explored the intricacies of international space law. Olivia is also a gifted musician and, outside of school, is band captain for the Woodville Concert Band.

Keeley Hurst (Gawler East)

In 2023, Keeley lobbied the local community businesses and sporting clubs for donations toward care packages to Catherine House, a not-for-profit organisation that provides accommodation and support services for women experiencing homelessness in South Australia. Keeley volunteers at her local football and netball clubs in a variety of roles, including working in the canteen, providing sales assistance, and acting as scorer and umpire for both senior and junior grades.  

Jesse Isaac

Jesse is an exceptional public speaker and has represented his school at a number of speaking events. He also writes articles for the school newsletter. Outside of school, Jesse is a nationally recognised and awarded field hockey umpire. He has also achieved the highest rank as an Air Force Cadet, and through being an active trainee at Glider Training School, he has also become an assistant training officer and training operations officer, where he mentors, leads and plans activities including airport visits and gliding experiences for junior members.

Caitlin Kalms (Berri)

Caitlin excels in STEM, plans to study biomedicine and is the recipient of a Children’s Week Minister for Education Award for her outstanding academic achievement, community service and student leadership. As a member of the school’s environmental student action team, Caitlin was responsible for regular composting of food scraps for the worm farm and drove awareness of the team’s environmental initiatives beyond the school community.  In addition to her SACE studies, Caitlin tutors Year 11 Chemistry students and has helped raise awareness of the impacts of cancer on people in the community through various fundraising efforts.

Simeen Khan

Simeen is an exceptional mathematician. She has represented the school in a range of STEM initiatives, the most notable being the MASA math competition, NASSSA Math Olympics, and the metro and regional STEMiE showcase. Simeen was also the recipient of a STEM scholarship from the SA Department of Education. Simeen and her family were refugees from Pakistan. She strongly believes that ‘living in the north and being a refugee should not define you, and that everyone has a right to be successful’. Her background has been marked by sacrifice and hardship and highlights the struggles faced by many immigrants in their quest for a brighter future, yet her determination to succeed academically and to pursue her dreams is inspiring.

Jason Lim

Jason has received numerous distinctions in various maths and science competitions. He has taken on a proactive role in leading whole school improvement projects, demonstrated a commitment to growing his own leadership capacity and that of his peers. Jason received a high distinction in the Australian Math Competition this year and Helen Brooke Prize for Mathematics at his school. The Badminton player in his spare time has raised funds for the World's Greatest Shave and the Big Freeze for research into MND and Leukaemia.

Seonghan (Matthew) Lim

A passionate mathematician, Matthew was the top student in the South Australian Math Investigation Competition this year, run by the Mathematics Association of SA. He was also placed first in his school's Math Competition. Matthew volunteered his lunchtimes mentoring middle school children as part of the school's Math's Help Sessions. He has played tennis and soccer for his school and his plans for the future including a career in medicine.

Zoe Lin

Zoe created menus and programs of events for the Food Fiesta for Destiny Rescue and World Vision Program.  Both within and outside of the school, Zoe is involved in multiple fundraising efforts, whether it be raising funds for World Vision, The 40 Hour Famine, Cold for a Cause Day, victims of east coast floods, or church mission trips. She is also a valued member of the school’s concert and stage bands and has won numerous awards in competitions such as the Balaklava Eisteddfod and Generations in Jazz.

Maesie MacGillivray

Maesie received the ZONTA Club of Gawler Women in STEM Award/Scholarship highlights her innovative thinking. As a mentor, Maesie has shown remarkable interpersonal skills, empathy, and the ability to support and guide others. Her involvement in the Senior Concert Band, Securely Found (Christian Fellowship) group, and leadership in a discipleship group reflects her strong social capabilities, teamwork, and spiritual connectedness to others. She has highly developed collaboration skills that allow her to connect effectively with a diverse range of individuals. The challenge of partaking in Snow Venture through Scouts and leading a team of ten Venturer Scouts on an adventure hiking the Overland Track in Tasmania further illustrates her resilience, leadership, and ability to work cohesively in a team setting.

Kye McDonald (Littlehampton)

Kye is a recipient of the ANZAC award, which recognises the core values of respect, resilience and the Anzac spirit. A respectful member of the community, Kye advocates for the establishment of community green spaces, such as the Glebe in Littlehampton, and around his home in the Adelaide Hills. Kye helps to nurse animals back to health when he finds them in need on his property and is proud of his Vietnamese and South African heritage. He ensures he is inclusive of others regardless of social status or ethnicity. He has shared his own experiences of racism to highlight its impacts. Kye plays soccer for the Adelaide Hills Hawks and was also selected for the Hills regional team.

Ashton Monson

Ashton is a compassionate leader and advocate for cultural understanding. He is proud of his culture and has contributed significantly to, and promotes awareness of, his school’s Reconciliation Action Plan. He is a key leader in the school Media Club, which is responsible for recording and live-streaming whole school formal assemblies, and ‘The Show’, a topical and humorous recap of school events, which is live streamed to students twice a term.

Devika Kim Mukherjee

Devika is a gifted debater. She has received the Todd Golding Medal for greatest contribution to the South Australian debating team this year and in 2021. Devika has also been a member of the Australian Debating Team. She has achieved a swathe of school prizes and academic awards including for Legal Studies and Biology. Devika hopes to study medicine, while serving as an Officer in the Australian Army Reserve.

Darren Nguyen

Throughout his senior schooling, Darren has received numerous subject prizes across math and science. The school house vice-captain has also received awards in the Australian Mathematics Competition and the Australian Science Olympiads. A keen badminton and soccer player for his school, Darren also enjoys playing the piano and guitar. He had volunteered to assist those in need through organisations such as Foodbank and took part in a camp as a carer for a child with special needs, which he says was one of his most rewarding volunteer opportunities at school. Darren is hoping to study medicine.

Adrian Niculescu

Adrian is heavily involved in debating, public speaking and policy advocacy. He was selected as one of twelve SA representatives at the 2023 National Schools Constitutional Convention in Canberra and as the recipient of The Advertiser Teen Parliament in 2022, was awarded a $10,000 scholarship. Adrian represented SA in the national finals of the United Nations Youth Voice competition in 2022. He volunteers for a major political party, which includes phone canvassing, booth management and letterboxing, data collection and analysis. He is also the recipient of the Australian Army Cadets SA Brigade Student of Merit. And was selected as the sole SA representative for the SA Army Cadets for the National Tri Service Leadership Summit.

Henry Nitschke

Henry’s dedication and passion for his future study and career goals are evidenced through his extracurricular activities, volunteer work, and personal projects. He received a gold service award for more than 100 hours of community service. This year, Henry volunteered at a War Veterans RSL Care facility. He also worked as a volunteer receptionist at a general practice, and he celebrated his 18th birthday by volunteering at the Variety SA Children’s Party for children with special needs at the Adelaide Zoo. He is also a Country Fire Service volunteer firefighter.

Ruby Pearce

Ruby aims to enter medicine and focused on gender inequity in the medical field for her Activating Identities and Futures (AIF) subject. Ruby also works tirelessly within the greater community to fundraise for charity and those in need and also supports and mentors young burns and trauma survivors at the KIDS Foundation, which supports children who have experienced horrific injuries and trauma.

Aleah Poole

Aleah represented the state in gymnastics at the national gymnastics' championships in 2023.  She has created a range of educational multimedia resources including videos, Instagram posts, TikTok posts, Power point lessons, and interactive quizzes around bullying for middle school students. Aleah has been heavily involved in NAIDOC and Harmony weeks and is a role model for Aboriginal students at the school, which is testament to her ability to inspire others and promote academic excellence.

Tigerlily Santry

Tigerlily aspires to enter the field of mechanical engineering after school. She has a passion for linguistics and communication, as is evidenced in her A+ for Japanese. Through her research of the Japanese language, and the way it has impacted the rapidly changing Japanese society, Tigerlily was able to make connections to her own Aboriginal culture and the significant relationship that exists between languages and ongoing cultural identity.

Melson Shi

Melson has represented the school at Anzac Day ceremonies. He presented to the local council to rally support for a new hockey stadium. Melson has also won the Oliphant Science Award for an inquiry into the iodine clock reaction - an experiment which is renowned for its dramatic and sudden colour change and which is often used to explore the effect of reagent or catalyst concentration on reaction rates. Melson was the only student at the school to complete the Premier’s Reading Challenge during his 13 years of schooling.

Vaughan Stonestreet (Kadina)

With a passion for mathematics, Vaughan started a tutoring business when he was in Year 10. Throughout his SACE studies, Vaughan has tutored a primary student every single week.  Seizing the opportunity to be more valuable and employable, he independently sought and obtained his RSA, which allowed him to take on extra responsibilities at his part-time workplace. Vaughan participates in the MASA quiz nights each year, and has always won either best maths team, or best overall team.

Max Thomas

As well as being an accomplished musician, especially on the trumpet, Max has represented Australia in debating. In 2023, he was voted best mooter at the Bond University National Mooting Competition, and while in Year 11, Max was accepted to the Apollo Fellowship - a summer program in the UK designed to teach debating skills and complex concepts relevant to the present and future of humanity, across a wide variety of philosophical and technological issues, including artificial intelligence, long-termism and existential risk, utilitarianism and more.

Lachlan Tripodi

In the after school ‘Homework Club’, Lachlan mentors students from Years 6 to 12 in a wide range of subjects. He designed and ran his school’s Blue Week, which helps raise awareness of men’s mental health, including depression and anxiety, through activities that help create positive change in how students approach mental health, encouraging them to check in with others and reducing the stigma attached to asking for help.  He has volunteered for a range of initiatives including SA School Sport Disability Soccer World Cup days, the Loreto Pink Day assembly, and Vinnie’s Men’s Crisis Centre Morning and Lunch BBQs.

Olivia Turner

Olivia was a state finalist in the National History Challenge for the category ‘Australian Wartime Experience’. This involved researching and writing an essay analysing different experiences women faced in WWI and the Vietnam War. A keen debater, Olivia won the First Year Flinders Mooting Competition and volunteers as a debating coach at the school, for the Year 7 and Year 12 teams. She is also a member of the Commissioner for Children and Young People’s Advisory Panel and the SA Student Representative Council. Olivia has also volunteered at WOMADelaide.

Keagan Wallace

Keagan has published the book, ‘A Crash of Rhinos’, to raise awareness and support conservation of the black rhino in Africa. He is an ambassador for international campaign ‘Read to me Day’ which encourages children to remind adults to read to them. Keagan has been selected as a United Nations Youth Voice South Australian delegate for three years running. In 2022, he was the keynote speaker at a Young Changemakers conference in SA. He is a youth member of the Australian Red Cross Leave it to Z Project Steering Committee and earlier this year he participated in a voluntary trip to Indonesia with the Overseas Specialist Surgical Association of Australia Inc to provide surgical and reconstructive rehabilitation services for children and disadvantaged people.

Ruby Wallace (Mount Gambier)

Ruby demonstrates a deep understanding and command of language and excels in all forms of literacy actively. She assists her peers and younger students in enhancing their literacy skills. Her Research Project focused on the effectiveness of prisons in rehabilitation and reducing recidivism, and her association with AC Care gave her unique insights into the lives of prisoners and those recently released. She is a keen up-cycler and up-cycles much of her own clothing. She contributes to the ‘Recycled Runway’ fundraiser organised by AC Care for local homelessness services.  As well as completing her SACE subjects, Ruby has completed two university courses.

Hayley Wilkinson 

Hayley participated in the National ABC Titration competition and the International Chemistry Quiz. She organised a teacher talent show and always includes special education students in group projects to ensure their voices are heard and they participate in various activities. She often coaches junior volleyball and teaches choreography to younger and older members of her local dance studio and has volunteered at the Vinnie’s Women’s Shelter to decorate and remodel a children’s play space.

Maddie Wirth (Robe)

In addition to her SACE studies, Maddie is an active member of the Robe community, where she participates in pilates, the run club, and plays netball for the Robe Netball Club. She has also been involved in the surf life-saving club, Kingston and Millicent basketball clubs, yoga, dance, and calisthenics.  She works at a local restaurant, babysits, and volunteers at the childcare on wheels service.  As a result of her community involvement and spirit, and in addition to her academic success, Maddie was the recipient of the 2023 Robe District Council Young citizen of the Year Award on Australia Day.

Mia Worth 

For her Research Project, Mia developed a website to address the discrimination faced by Asian students in schools, in particular the stereotype of Asians being academically successful. Beyond her academic studies, Mia is actively involved in Tournament of Minds. She mentors younger students in the STEM category, sharing her passion for girls to develop an interest in the science and mathematics field. Mia is also the recipient of the ADF Future Innovators Award 2023, which recognises recipients’ science and mathematics abilities while highlighting the value the Navy, Army and Air Force place on STEM skills and STEM career opportunities within Defence. She also received a Governor’s Civics Award in 2022 and attained her Duke of Edinburgh International Gold Award in 2023.

Zhao Rune Chi

Rune Chi represented Australia at the 2021 International Physics Olympiad ad has recently been selected as a member of the Australian Biology Olympiad Team for the International Biology Olympiad. In 2022, Rune Chi was also invited to attend the International Science School and participated in the EPIC Challenge - Sustaining Life on Mars. Rune Chi is involved in the school’s musical programs – Chorister, Chamber Choir, Enchante Singing Group, Concert Band – and has been a key participant in the debating program. She was a member of the School's Open A Basketball and Soccer teams as well as representing the School in Swimming and completing her Bronze Medallion.

Olivia Tallent

Olivia already completed her SACE as a Year 11 student but still returned to school for Year 12 for an additional four Stage 2 subjects. Not only an avid learner, Olivia was the Captain of the Open ‘A’ School Debating Team, which was runner up in the SA Debating Association Final in 2021 and 2022. In 2022, she was selected to represent SA high school students on the inaugural South Australian Student Representative Council .

Maddie Walker

Maddie is passionate about her community, reflected in her support for Kickstart For Kids. She has been the conduit between Kickstart and Walford students, enlisting volunteers and coordinating holiday camps. In her Research Project, Maddie investigated Australia’s management of asylum seekers. She embarked on this opportunity to develop her own intercultural understanding. Maddie has held leadership positions within the school council throughout her schooling, and has been awarded subject prize awards for Stage 2 Chemistry, Physics, and Biology.

Jamie Vu

Jamie is a recent immigrant from Vietnam and started year 11 at Thebarton Senior College with English as her second language. During year 12, she worked part-time to support her family while studying six SACE subjects. For her research project she investigated the role of government assistance in improving energy efficiency in South Australian households in order to reduce carbon emissions and combat climate change. She has been awarded the Melbourne Chancellor's Scholarship at Melbourne University, where she will pursue a bachelor's degree in science. She hopes to contribute to the efforts towards addressing global challenges. 

Ridheypreet Grover

Ridheypreet was recognised with a Governor of South Australia Commendation for his outstanding academic results. He was Proxime Accessit at Rostrevor College for 2022. Ridheypreet won subject merits for Biology, Chemistry, English, Psychology, and Integrated Learning.

Sophia Switajewski

Sophia is passionate about a broad range of subjects, undertaking Design & Technology and Graphics & Architecture in Year 11, then exploring the experimental verification of the Higgs field in Year 12 Physics. She played club netball throughout her final year, as well as tennis and water polo in the summer. Sophia is looking to study physics or maths at university. 

Amber Brock-Fabel

Amber has a passion for youth engagement. She is an active member of the SA Power Networks Advisory Board and the Greenpeace General Assembly, the United Communities ‘Unlocking Loneliness Campaign’, and the founder of the SA Youth Forum. She was chosen as one of the top 100 creative thinkers in SA to attend the Dynamic State Summit, bringing together diverse people representing their own cultures.  She has been accepted to study a double degree in a Bachelor of Advanced Arts (majoring in politics) and a Bachelor of Law, so she can better equip herself in her advocacy work.

Beth Coventry

Passionate for the Performing Arts, Beth has written songs and musical scripts for school productions and investigated ‘How People Bring Puppets to Life’ for her Research Project. Beth showed leadership and shared her passion with peers by starting a creative club to allow students at school to share their creative writing and artwork during lunchtimes. Beth completed a Cert III course in 2021 in Screen and Media where she built a 3D game using Unreal Engine, creating an advanced AI and multiple levels and mechanics. She plans to continue helping next year’s Year 12 students even after her own SACE completion.

Ilya Aidman

Extensively involved in debating, Ilya has won several debating awards, including the Debating SA Senior Debater of the Year. He gives back to Debating SA by volunteering as an adjudicator as well as by mentoring new adjudicators. Ilya has organised two Stand with Ukraine charity concerts, raising close to $200,000. Ilya has advocated for supporting pro-democracy movements in Eastern Europe through his work with the Association of Ukranians in South Australia.

Isaac Covington-Groth

Planning for a career in the sciences, Isaac attended the 2022 National Youth Science Forum and is now a significant part of the 2023 material. Passionate about Maths, his Research Project question dissected the lower uptake of Mathematics within Category 6 and 7 schools. Isaac was elected to Head Prefect in 2022 and sat on the school’s Governing Council. Outside of his study, he also earned his black belt in taekwondo and now volunteers his time supporting other children learning martial arts.

Jess Tresidder

Jess has overcome personal challenges and time in foster care to become an entrepreneurial young woman. In 2021, after purchasing a second-hand etching machine and creating an Etsy account, Jess launched a highly successful business selling personalised key chains. She has made $30,000 since launch. In addition to her SACE studies Jess became the first student at Tenison Woods to complete a university subject whilst completing Year 12, receiving HDs in two business subjects. In 2021 Jess received a scholarship from Business News Australia in recognition of her entrepreneurial talent.

Suyeon Lee

Despite speaking English as a second language, Suyeon took on personal strategies to overcome language barriers and is now an adjudicator at Debating SA, assessing speech and public speaking. Suyeon is passionate about studying animal behaviour and expanding opportunities for dogs. At a local RSPCA, she has worked with dogs’ learning abilities as the focus of her Research Project. In Biology, Suyeon evaluated the effects of brain-interfacing technology at the social, economic, legal and ethical levels, and recognised the importance of continued monitoring and decision-making of new technology in society.

Georgina Tenny

Head Girl at Loreto, Georgina has led her peers through thought and action. As a boarder at the school she was part of a push to change Covid lockdown rules in schools, and supported her fellow students in their wellbeing and with social initiatives. When her peers wanted to participate in Pride Week, Georgina was instrumental in facilitating this with acceptance and strong sense of social justice. For her Research Project, Georgina interviewed several SA politicians, exploring the political landscape in Australia and its encouragement of young women. Georgina plans to pursue Law at university.                    

Sasha Coorey

Sasha was awarded a Headstart Scholarship at the University of Adelaide for 2022, studying Philosophy on top of her SACE course. She was awarded a 2022 Student Citizenship Award and attained her Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award. Sasha is a strong advocate for social inclusion and her challenged sexism and stereotyping in her school community and beyond. She has been involved in the ‘Angel for a Day’ program with Hutt Street Centre and organised a series of fundraisers to help provide meals for those in need. Sasha was a member of the Junior Matildas and was SA’s youngest player to receive ‘Best and Fairest’ for the Adelaide University Soccer Club in the Women’s National Premier League.

Cameron Tunno

A two-time winner of the Purton Oratory Award, Cameron is a confident and persuasive speaker, using his skills to connect with his school community as Deputy Head Prefect. Cameron has given his time to Blue Week, The World’s Greatest Shave, Hutt Street Centre, and shares his passion for learning through tutoring others. He mentors young men in developing respectful relationships and contributed to the celebration of International Women’s Day 2022.

Ashwin Murugappa

An avid reader, Ashwin spends his free time taking in Dostoyevsky, Shakespeare, Foucault and Nietzsche. He was selected to attend the UN Youth National Conference, which brings together over 100 young people across Australia and the Asia-Pacific to discuss international and local issues. As part of the Activating Identities and Futures pilot subject, for which he received an A+, Ashwin investigated how neural networks could help to rehabilitate paralysed and amputee people. He hopes to have his findings published in a bio-medical engineering journal. He has a desire to work in medicine so he is able to support others in the community.

Layne Bailey

A leader in the making, Layne was awarded the Australian Defence Force Long Tan Youth Leadership Award in Year 10, and again in Year 12. As College Captain, he contributed to Christian Citizenship initiatives and supported onboarding of the new Year 7s. Layne was awarded an Order of Australia Association Award for his leadership within the local community. Outside of school, he volunteers as a saxophonist for the Gawler Town Band.

Madelyn Long

Madelyn has shown passion for media design, even starting her own design business whilst completing Year 12, taking on several local businesses as clients. She has shown her leadership at the school as Head Prefect, Deputy Sports Captain, and coach for the Year 7 volleyball team. Representing her school in various sports, Madelyn has broken eight high school records in athletics and swimming, some of which were held for over 30 years.

Samuel Austin

Samuel is not only committed to his own learning, attending out of hours hub sessions, but is also quick to put his studies aside to help his peers with theirs. He is committed to social justice issues such as the St Vinnies’ Winter Sleep Out and Hutt Street’s Walk a Mile, and engages students from the College’s St Mary’s Unit, for students with an intellectual disability. Samuel celebrates his peers and delights in seeing others achieve success, not one to take the spotlight but pushes others into it.

Sonthari Dilen Keam

Having spent her formative years in Cambodia, Dilen arrived in Australia at the age of 12. She was initially part of a Year 7 Intensive English Language Program for New Arrivals, and in the years following showed her commitment to learning, finishing her SACE with an A+ in English. When her school was unable to offer Specialist Mathematics, Dilen worked with her educators to take the classes at Para Hills High School, travelling by taxi between schools several times a week. Outside of her formal study, Dilen is part of the Salisbury Youth Council .

Brooke Joppich

Brooke has shown her agency for learning as a motivating home-schooler until Year 10, then adapting strongly to mainstream school life. She is an accomplished trombone player and talented vocalist, a member of the Australian Girls Choir. Brooke participated in the 2021 Lions Youth of the Year program, sharing her story of life with cerebral palsy, and in 2022 was Pedare College Captain.

Jacinda Tsakalos

Jacinda has been a keen advocate for the performing arts across her schooling, cast in multiple productions including a professional production of The Sound of Music in 2016. An outstanding performer, she shared her talents through leadership and collaboration with her peers, and volunteers her spare time as a dance teacher. Jacinda has campaigned heavily for the Paraplegic and Quadriplegic Association of South Australia, and has been recognised for her fundraising activities for Cycle For Sam, Beyond Blue, Smith Family and Vinnies.

Katherine Varley

Katherine is a member of the Seymour College Black Watch String Quartet, Chorale, Chamber Singers, Symphony Ensemble, Chamber Ensemble, and Orchestra. Within these teams, she offers her guidance, support and mentorship to her peers and younger students. Katherine centred her Research Project on racial diversity in the film industry and how it affects minority groups, developing her appreciation and understanding of diverse cultures and the impacts on them. As an aspiring filmmaker she has developed skills in editing music mixing and production.

William Sampson    

William loves his photography in both his spare time and for school events. He is often published in school media, across web, newsletters and yearbooks. As part of the Rural Youth Ambassador program, William would facilitate online discussion forums where students would discuss issues and aspects of rural education. In this role, he was also a media representative, conducting television interviews. He was called up to the Under 23 South Australian Men’s Netball Team which will compete in Perth in 2023. This involved having to travel approximately 600km to Adelaide to compete in the state trial matches, and some of the team training sessions, all whilst in the later stages of his Stage 2 studies.

Beau Hope

Beau has a thirst for knowledge. For Stage 2 Physics he challenged himself with the particle physics problem, ‘what is the absolute mass of the neutrino?’, and in Specialist Maths constructed a program accurately depicting linear interpolations used to create a Bézier curve model. With strong social values, Beau applies his leadership qualities towards enhancing his local community. He not only mentors within his school community but applies himself as an instructor through training younger employees within his workplace.

Jacob Collins Hall

Jacob shares his numeracy skills with the school community, coaching his fellow peers, and tutoring both primary and middle school students. He has used his critical thinking skills in his research into how hydrogels can be used within wound dressings. Outside of the classroom, Jacob regularly collaborated with other representatives to identify issues within the school community. This involved organising feedback across the R-12 site, then providing solutions to school wide problems including issues around uniform, school facilities, school events, and student wellbeing.

Grace Stewart

Grace is Vice-Chairperson of the Senior School Leadership team and has used her skills to propose changes in the school community, including starting a student-led newsletter. She became an active debater and reached the finals of the NASSSA debating program multiple times. After developing her skills as a debater, Grace saw the need for more adjudicators and became a student mentor for other debaters and student adjudicators. Grace takes every opportunity to develop and learn new skills. She aspires to enter the field of speech pathology but keeps her options open by engaging in a range of opportunities to learn about different pathways.

Jonathan Raw

Jonathan used his Research Project to establish the importance of transparency in communication around sustainability within the clothing industry. Through this he explored the contrast between genuine sophisticated philosophical language and tired cliches in regards to environmental credibility. Outside of school, Jonathan wrote a book of poems reflecting on how young people relate to each other, in order to establish a greater sense of connection with his wider peer group.

Tegan Hardy

Tegan is an active member in her school community, contributing to transition programs, peer support, and as a key member of various music ensembles, hockey and golf teams at Trinity. Her love for performing music is not only shown at school, but as a member of the Gawler Town Band and Adelaide Youth Wind Orchestra. After returning from a student visit to Oak Valley on Maralinga-Tjarutja Lands, Tegan sought to increase community awareness of Aboriginal displacement in the area.

Bridie Dolan

Bridie is described by her physics teacher as a “natural physicist” and thrives for discussion about aspects of the subject, enhancing her understanding of ideas through research and modern advancements in society. Bridie supported the school’s Beyond Border’s program by volunteering in several fundraising events and activities, designed to support the refugee community.

Samekah Osborne

Samekah is actively engaged in connecting with both her local community and her community of the APY Lands through her traditional dance with Iwirihub performance group. This group supports and engages the Adelaide Anangu people through things like art, dance and storytelling. Through her work and studies at the SA Museum, Samekah can apply intercultural understanding when engaging in open discussions around how the museum can further develop their own Indigenous perspectives and inclusive policies. She has also been a frequent contributor to the Indigenous learning space where she mentors and supports other Indigenous students.

Taylem Stubbs

Taylem has contributed to Rostrevor’s holistic programs as a mentor, an advocate for younger students, as part of the football, basketball and volleyball sporting programmes, and as a leader in the Boarding House. Taylem has publicly celebrated his culture, leading others in Reconciliation based activities. He has spoken at the Reconciliation Breakfast, and presented at the CESA First Nations Graduating