We would like to congratulate all Year 12 students on their outstanding academic achievements.
Congratulations to the following students who have received specific academic awards.
Duke of Edinburgh:
This year we have three Duke of Edinburgh awards to recognise. We have two Bronze Awards to present. These two awards were are still waiting to receive from head office, but we would like to present a Merici token for recognition. Congratulations to Sofia Georgiadis and Monica Salazar.
This year we also have a Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award to present. We proudly acknowledge this award that reflects extraordinary commitment, perseverance, resilience and motivation. Over the past two years, this recipient has invested countless hours into each section of the Award: maintaining a disciplined Physical Recreation goal, leading and expanding our school magazine as co-editor-in-chief for her Skill, and contributing tirelessly to the Merici community through tutoring and school events for her Service. She completed a challenging four-day hike on the Great North Walk for her Adventurous Journey, demonstrating determination in demanding conditions. For her Residential Project, she immersed herself in the National Computer Science School, engaging deeply with university-level computer science and forming strong connections with future industry peers. Achieving Gold is an incredible honour, and she will be formally presented with her badge at Government House by the Governor-General. We congratulate her on this remarkable accomplishment and the outstanding character she has shown throughout the journey. The recipient of this award is: Ishita Gupta
House Awards:
As a part of our graduation evening, we honoured students from each house. One student from each House group will be acknowledged for their contribution and service. This includes: contribution during school carnivals, mentoring of other students in the House and pastoral care classes as well as their commitment to service with fundraising and charity.
- For Balgo House, we would like to recognise: Evelyn Scott
- For Brescia House, we would like to award: Sofia Georgiadis
- For Ningil House, we would like to acknowledge: Ella Young
- For Penola House, we would like to recognise: Lucy Jerga
- For Seiwa House, we would like to award: Francesca Bower
- For Tullow House, we would like to acknowledge: Abbey Flynn
Australian Mathematics Trust Award: This award goes to the student who places first in the highest Mathematics course after two years of study. The recipient of this award is: Ishita Gupta
ADFA Future Innovators Award: This award goes to the student who shows motivation, achievement and innovation in the areas of Science, Mathematics and other STEM areas. The student receiving this award has achieved highly in Specialist Methods, Chemistry and Physics. The recipient of this award is: Rebecca Price
Long Tan Leadership Award: This Defence Force award goes to a student who demonstrates leadership traits in all that they do throughout the college. The student does not necessarily need to be a student leader; however, this year’s recipient is. This person is respected and held in high regard by all staff. She has been involved in many different events and represented the college with pride. She has been a role model to many junior students throughout this year. The recipient of this award is: Lucy Jerga
IB Overall Awards:
This year we introduce IB Diploma Core program awards, given to students who have demonstrated outstanding efforts across the three components of the core areas.
IB Theory of Knowledge: Awarded to a student for their critical thinking and frequent contributions in the two-year Theory of Knowledge course. The recipient of this award is: Lucy Jerga
IB Extended Essay: Awarded to a student for their dedication, reflection and perseverance with the Extended Essay process across the Year 11 and 12 years. The recipient of this award is: Zoe Pearson
IB CAS Award: Awarded to a student who has consistently demonstrated outstanding involvement in Creativity, Activity and Service in the IB Diploma Programme and outstanding embodiment of the IB Mission statement. The recipient is being awarded for her balanced approach to all three strands of CAS. The recipient of this award is: Lucy Jerga
Merici College Recognition of Excellence
It is normally at this point in the Graduation Ceremony that we would present the BSSS Recognition Awards. However, the BSSS have changed their awards process from 2024. From now, the BSSS will notify the school in December of students from Merici College who have won BSSS Awards. These awards will be presented at the BSSS Recognition of Excellence ceremony on Monday 15 December at Canberra Theatre.
Due to this change, we have created a suite of Merici College based awards for students who we believe should be recognised for their contribution and effort.
Award for Community Services: Awarded to a student who has contributed widely to the life of the college and the broader community.
This student has been actively involved in service throughout her time at the College. She has given a staggering amount of time to netball coaching and has accumulated over 500 hours of service during her time at the College. She is a shining example of what it means to lead a life of service and dedication to others. The recipient of this award is, our College Captain: Laura Davidson
The Award for Student Growth: This award is given to a student who has shown consistent and significant social and academic growth over their time at the College. This recipient embodies what we mean when we say we want our Merici girls to thrive and grow in our care. This young woman has grown into a very responsible, mature, caring and independent person. She is to be commended for her persistence and courage. The recipient of this award is: Lucy Dunstan.
ACU Spirit of St Angela Merici Award: This is award is one the most prestigious awards that is given in our community. The criterion for this award is: for a student who has lived out the College values in all that they do, both inside and outside the classroom. This student is highly respected across the school. She is kind, generous, intelligent, open minded and an exceptional role model to all students. When staff speak of this student, it is always in such glowing terms. Our community is richer for having her be a part of it. The recipient of this award is: Evelyn Scott
The Merici Dux and Runner-Up Dux awards will be given out formally in February, once all BSSS and IB DP ATARs are announced in December. We will invite the first and second placed student and their families to attend our Opening Assembly in February to be presented with their awards.
To conclude the evening’s ceremony, parents and carers presented their daughters with their Merici rose and alumni pin signifying their graduation and transition to the next phase of their lives.
Assistant Principal Teaching and Learning closing remarks:
This brings us to the close of a truly unforgettable evening. Before we end, I want to leave you with a words. Tonight, as I look around this room, I see lives overflowing with blessings—families bound by love, friendships forged in trust, and a community that has nurtured each of you with care and pride. We are privileged beyond measure.
You stand here as graduates, carrying with you remarkable achievements and stepping boldly into a world that is vast and full of possibility. You go forward armed with knowledge, strength, courage, and the unwavering support of those who believe in you. But as you journey into this next chapter, I ask you to pause and reflect on something deeper.
So often, the world defines us by what we do—by titles and roles: teacher, lawyer, doctor, engineer, nurse, chef, manager. But I challenge you, the Class of 2025, to define yourselves not by what you become, but by who you are. When you speak of your friends, speak of their essence: their kindness, their courage, their compassion, their integrity. When you think of your own legacy, let it be measured not in wealth or status, but in the lives, you touch and the hope you inspire.
I know that each of you longs to be remembered not for money you might accumulate, but for the depth of your impact—the difference you make, the light you bring, the positive change you create in this world. So go forth as women of courage and conviction.
And always remember this: you will forever have a home here at Merici. This is a place where you have been loved, a place that will never forget you. Wherever life takes you, know that you carry with you the spirit of this community—a spirit that will guide you, strengthen you, and remind you that you are never alone.
Congratulations, Class of 2025. The world is waiting for your light.
Renee Taylor
Assistant Principal Teaching and Learning
