Bishop of Parramatta recognises student excellence

Each year, one Year 12 student in every Catholic secondary school in the Diocese of Parramatta is awarded the Bishop of Parramatta Award for Student Excellence.

This prestigious award is nominated by the school principal and recognises a student’s witness to their Catholic faith and outstanding contribution to the school community in areas such as academic excellence, sporting achievement, creative and performing arts, social justice, vocational education and community involvement.

This year’s outstanding students were recognised by Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv at an event held at St Patrick’s Cathedral on Thursday 5 September, attended by more than 300 people, including parents, school representatives and local community leaders. Each award recipient was acknowledged with a medallion and certificate.

Bishop Vincent delivered a powerful reflection on excellence and the aims of Catholic education. He praised the award recipients for their hard work, discipline, dedication and commitment.

“The honour we bestow on them tonight recognises not only what they have done but also the positive attitude with which they have imbued their environments and relationships. These students have let the light of Christ shine through them. They have worked hard, with a sense of responsibility and commitment,” said Bishop Vincent.

Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese Executive Director, Jack De Groot congratulated the students, acknowledging all those who play a part in student success.

“Your achievements are a credit to you and your families, and a testament to the commitment and drive of your teachers as we endeavour in our vision to enrich the lives of our students through education grounded in excellence, inclusivity and Catholic tradition,” Jack said.

Award winners from our CSPD schools were as follows:

• Jessica Reimer, Bede Polding College South Windsor
• Audrey Cocks, Caroline Chisholm College Glenmore Park
• Sacha Sahyoun, Catherine McAuley Westmead
• Olivia Novosadek, CathWest Innovation College Mount Druitt
• Sarah Oldridge, Cerdon College Merrylands
• Makalita Liutai, Delany College Granville
• Peter Sara, Emmaus Catholic College Kemps Creek
• Savannah Moubarak, Gilroy Catholic College Castle Hill
• Stephanie Vassallo, Marian Catholic College Kenthurst
• Chevonne Lobo, Nagle College Blacktown South
• George Walker, Parramatta Marist High School
• Emmanuel Crichton, Patrician Brothers' College Blacktown
• Imelda Wright, Penola Catholic College Emu Plains
• Erica Pisani, Santa Sophia Catholic College Gables
• Sienna Edwards, St Agnes Catholic High School Rooty Hill
• Euleila Barret, St Andrews College Marayong
• Michell Bui, St Clare's Catholic High School Hassall Grove
• Lucy Hall, St Columba’s Catholic College Springwood
• Tristan Kemp, St John Paul II Catholic College Nirimba Fields
• Ellena Bonello, St John XXIII Catholic College Stanhope Gardens
• Althea Dela Cruz, St Luke's Catholic College Marsden Park
• Oliver O'Neill, St Patrick's Marist College Dundas
• Andrew Saab, St Pauls Catholic College Greystanes
• Lucy Keane, Xavier College Llandilo