Student Achievement – Mercy Foundation Youth Award Winner

"To me freedom means the ability to make your own decisions and to live your life in a safe, healthy, and happy way. This includes having the right to a fair wage, freedom of religion and to not be discriminated against because of colour, race, or creed."

Congratulations to Leila Buckley (Year 9) for winning first prize in the Mercy Foundation Youth Awards (Photo) Competition for 2020! The Australia-wide Years 7-12 competition aims to encourage young people to learn more about social justice issues in Australia. The competition theme for 2020 was “Freedom- Ending Modern Slavery. All Year 9 RE classes participated in activities centred around the theme and many students entered the competition.

Leila's photo resembles the darkness and despair suffered by many exploited workers in Australia and other countries. This image in black-and-white gives a deeper meaning and a greater concept when one views the image.

"To me freedom means the ability to make your own decisions and to live your life in a safe, healthy, and happy way. This includes having the right to a fair wage, freedom of religion and to not be discriminated against because of colour, race, or creed." - Leila Buckley

The judges were impressed by the high standard of Leila’s photograph and the accompanying text. Leila was awarded with $700 for her winning entry and Merici College also receives $700 to donate to a charity or spend on social justice resources.

Congratulations Leila!

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