Year 12 Graduation Liturgy & Prize Giving

On Wednesday, 20th September we celebrated our Year 12 Graduation in front a large audience of family, friends, staff and fellow students. Students were presented with their Graduation Certificate, Academic and sport certifcates, and a variety of special awards. Photos and a list of awards can be seen below. We congratulate our Year 12 students and wish them all the best as they complete their HSC examinations.

Special Awards

McAuley Medal

Kaylee Adamson, Nash Crofton, Angelina Francescucci, Paige Thompson, Jorja White

Christian Leadership Award

Blake Felton, Jorja White 

Sports Person of the Year

Sahara Powell

Service to the College Award

Navrin Howard

Good Citizenship & Community Service Award

Paige Thompson

Sr Cecelia Moran Memorial Award for Contribution to the Culture of the College

Nash Crofton

The Reuben F. Scarf Award for Commitment

Angelina Francesucci

College Award for Commitment to Study

Kaylee Adamson, Mika Collard, James Grimshaw, Laynie Rheinberger, Levi Vereyken

College Academic Excellence Award

Mayha Mead-Davis, Sean Sowell, Stella Van Leest

College Best All-Rounder Award

Sean Sowell, Stella Van Leest, Levi Vereyken

Australian Defence Forces Long Tan Award for Leadership & Service

Nash Crofton

Australian Defence Forces Future Innovation Award

Jace Gilbert

Graduating Class of 2023

Excerpts from the 2023 Captain's Speech

2023 Year 12 Graduation - Captain's Speech (Nash & Kaydence) 

"...Looking back on these past six years, we can all agree that it's been a rollercoaster ride. Through it all, we've grown, evolved, and emerged as the individuals we are today. We've faced academic challenges, navigated the ups and downs of teenage life, and learned valuable lessons both inside and outside the classroom. Whether it was late-night study sessions, stressful exams, or moments of self-doubt, we persevered and emerged stronger. But let's not forget that high school is not just about tests and grades. It's also about building friendships, creating memories, and discovering our passions. The bonds we've formed with our classmates are invaluable, and the memories we've created together will last a lifetime...

We would like to also mention our super proactive, enthusiastic, can-never-stop-talking leadership team. It could just be because we're in year 12 that we realise this, but the amount of enthusiasm and passion that goes into so many events and causes around the school is crazy. The amount of hours that have gone into planning events, creating videos and trying to rally up house spirit is tremendous. Since this leadership team has been in place, we've had a men's World Cup, a women's World Cup, McAuley Fest, Anti-Bullying Day, McAuley Day, Green Day, Jersey Day, Weekly Hall Games, and so many more initiatives that each take hours and hours of hard work. So not only to the Year 12's but the entire 2023 SLT Team, including Year 10, 11, 12 and teachers.

Back to our love for this college. I live a one-minute drive from another high school, but instead, myself and almost 200 other students travel an hour bus trip every day to receive our education from here. After going to this school and experiencing all I have over the past six years, there is no way I would go anywhere else. This is such a great school, with an amazing supportive community of staff and students. So students, take every opportunity you are given here, go to the fun days, the carnivals, your classes, talk with your teachers and make the most of this time you have here with your friends. It feels like only last week we were walking into this school on our first day of year 7, and now, all of a sudden, we are giving our final speech to you as our school. The time you have here with your friends is so limited, so once again, make the most of every opportunity you're given here.

So now, as we say goodbye to you all for the last time, as we end a 13-year journey of hanging with our friends every day, as we begin to take on some responsibilities of life and grow into adults, as we drive out of Hennessy Drive for the last time, away from this castle on the hill, we must realise year 12, that all of these lasts we are going through, are paving the way for many, many more firsts. Some will enter a new job for the first time, some will travel the world for the first time, some will step into their university gates for the first time, and others will take their time until they find their own calling.

As we embark on the next stage of our journey, whatever these firsts may be, we must carry the lessons we have learned here with us. We must remember that our high school years are just the beginning. There is a world full of possibilities waiting for us, and it is our responsibility to seize them. As we step out into the world, let us not be afraid to dream big, to set bold goals, and to work hard to achieve them. As Dr. Seuss wrote, "You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself in any direction you choose. You're on your own. And you know what you know. And YOU are the one who'll decide where to go. 

Students, Staff, Parents and members of the McAuley Community - it has been our absolute pleasure being your captains this year. 

A big congrats to the class of 2023!!!!!! We have no doubt that each and every one of us has the potential to leave a remarkable impact on this world. Let us go forth with confidence, compassion, courage and determination."