Last Friday evening, our College community came together in the Mercy Centre to celebrate the outstanding academic achievements of over 120 students at our Academic Excellence Awards Evening. The event was a vibrant celebration of dedication, perseverance, and the pursuit of knowledge.

The evening was filled with pride and inspiration as students were recognised for their hard work across a range of subjects and year levels. Families, staff, and special guests gathered to applaud the efforts of our students who exemplify the College’s commitment to academic growth and excellence.

We were privileged to hear from Nicholas Griffin, a 2008 College graduate and now a professional in the digital marketing industry. Nicholas shared powerful reflections on the value of education, encouraging students to embrace learning as a lifelong journey. He spoke about the importance of taking risks, working hard, and using education as a tool to navigate life’s challenges. “Education unlocks a pathway forward in ways you might not even realise,” he said, reminding us that school doesn’t end at graduation, it continues to shape and support us throughout life.

A special moment in the evening was the presentation of the inaugural Vinod Kumar Memorial Prize for Academic Excellence in Mathematics and Physics, awarded to Ruby Johnston. This award honours the memory of Mr Vinod Kumar, a beloved teacher who sadly passed away earlier this year, and recognises a Year 11 student who has shown consistent effort and a positive attitude in their studies.

The evening was further enriched by the presence of several distinguished guests, including Bishop Michael McCarthy, Mr Michael McCusker, Priests from the Rockhampton Catholic Parish, members of the Sisters of Mercy, Principals from our Catholic Primary Schools, and other community leaders and friends of the College. Their involvement in presenting awards added a special significance to the night, highlighting the deep connections between our College and the broader community.

It was truly a memorable occasion and one that celebrated not only academic success but also the values of resilience, curiosity, and lifelong learning. We congratulate all our award recipients and thank everyone who helped make the evening so special.

For those who were unable to attend on Friday but would like to join in celebrating the success of our students, you are more than welcome to view the recording of the evening via the link below.