Bishop’s Awards celebrate student excellence across Parramatta Diocese

The annual Bishop of Parramatta Award for Student Excellence honours Year 12 students who demonstrate strong leadership, a spirit of service and a lasting impact on their school community.

Held on Thursday 4 September at St Patrick’s Cathedral Parramatta, the event was attended by parents and carers, school representatives, local community members and special guests from Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese (CSPD) and the Diocese of Parramatta, all gathered to support and celebrate the achievements of exemplary school leaders.

“The many people represented here tonight reminds us that education is shared work - a partnership,” said Acting Chief Executive Officer, Mark Smith. “Together, we place our gifts at the service of something greater than ourselves: the flourishing of young people and the mission of the Gospel.”

Awarded by Most Rev Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv, each recipient was nominated by their school principal for their embodiment of Catholic values and their positive impact on the life of their school. The awards recognise excellence across a wide range of areas, including academic achievement, sporting achievement, creative and performing arts, social justice, vocational education and community involvement.

Mark Smith congratulated the recipients for demonstrating the qualities of tomorrow’s leaders.

“These awards are not simply markers of academic success; they affirm something deeper - your readiness to be people for others and active contributors to a world that is in great need of hope and transformation,” said Mark Smith.

Bishop Vincent shared an inspiring reflection on what true excellence means, and commended the award recipients for their perseverance and unwavering commitment to their school communities.

“It is right and just that we as the Diocesan family recognise excellence, which is achieved by hard work, discipline, dedication and enquiry,” said Bishop Vincent. “The application of these virtues is rooted in the teaching of Christ and it is the cause of celebration tonight.”

Congratulations to the 2025 Bishop’s Excellence Award recipients:

Melanie Casha, Bede Polding College South Windsor
Kaitlyn Grima, Caroline Chisholm College Glenmore Park
Elisha Zammit, Catherine McAuley Westmead
Megan Lynch, CathWest Innovation College Mount Druitt
Emma Kusumo, Cerdon College Merrylands
Jack Fitzpatrick, Delany College Granville
Gardinia Gae’e, Emmaus Catholic College Kemps Creek
Claudia Homsi, Gilroy Catholic College Castle Hill
Jasmine Jardin, Marian Catholic College Kenthurst
Gabrielle Behrens, Nagle College Blacktown South
Jonathan Dagher, Parramatta Marist High School
Zackary Armitage, Patrician Brothers' College Blacktown
Isla Darwen, Penola Catholic College Emu Plains
Renee Pisani, Santa Sophia Catholic College Gables
Ruby O’Keefe, St Agnes Catholic High School Rooty Hill
Wenceslaus Anthony Pilayre, St Andrews College Marayong
Sophie Giannini, St Clare's Catholic High School Hassall Grove
Taylah Cowley, St Columba’s Catholic College Springwood
John Apolinar, St John Paul II Catholic College Nirimba Fields
Carlos Hernandez, St John XXIII Catholic College Stanhope Gardens
Lara Derjani, St Luke's Catholic College Marsden Park
Gordon Boulous, St Patrick's Marist College Dundas
Kristian McCann, St Pauls Catholic College Greystanes
Christian Sappey, Xavier College Llandilo
Andre Dabit, Oakhill College Castle Hill
Matthew Hamilton, St Dominic’s College Kingswood
Makayla Bazouni, Maronite College of the Holy Family Parramatta
Anne Portelli, Montgrove College Orchard Hills
Gabrielle Ann Fleming, Our Lady of Mercy College, Parramatta
Lilianna Stillone, Tangara School for Girls Cherrybrook
Matthias Soriano, Wollemi College Werrington