Spirit of Catherine Awards 2025

As a Mercy community, we strive to encompass the values and teachings modelled by Catherine McAuley. The Spirit of Catherine Awards recognise inspiring members of our community who model the Mercy Values and live Catherine’s words, ‘we should be shining lamps, giving light to all around us’. Two students from each year level are awarded the prestigious Spirit of Catherine Award each term.

TERM 1, 2025

Congratulations to the following award winners for Term 1, 2025. They were announced following the Easter Liturgy at the Mercy Junortoun Sporting Precinct on the final day of Term 1.

• Year 7: Riozelle Sawit & Thomas Marasco
• Year 8: Amelia Johnson & Pax Bolton
• Year 9: Kortez George & Aleira Vanis
• Year 10: Ruby Bath and Maggie Lamb
• Year 11: Lenny McNamara & Tee Kaw Plo Soe Mya
• Year 12: Maddison Bray & Chelsea Breene

YEAR 7

Riozelle Sawit 

Rio is a very cheerful student, always with a smile on her face, who demonstrates the Mercy Values of Hospitality and Service.  On a day-to-day basis, Riozelle greets staff and students with a “hello” and wishes them well for the day ahead.  Like Catherine, Riozelle demonstrates a high-level of service, always volunteering to assist others and to help at school and community events.  A student who possesses a great sense of moral justice at all times, Riozelle is a great role model for her peers.

Thomas Marasco

Thomas consistently demonstrates the Mercy Value of Respect. He is always polite and respectful in his dealings with staff and students.  Thomas is a quiet achiever who, like Catherine, always supports people who need assistance.  He works well in groups, regardless of whether they are part of his friendship group or not. Thomas is very conscientious, well-prepared and he demonstrates a wonderful attitude and work ethic in his classes, setting an excellent example for his fellow students.

YEAR 8

Amelia Johnson

Amelia is a resilient student that displays the Mercy Values of Respect and Compassion. She is someone who cares for her friends, for her environment and for herself. In her actions, she supports her peers and her entire class. She will acknowledge poor behaviour and offer support to those around her to correct this, showing clear leadership. Amelia acts in a way that demonstrates kindness and is gentle in her conversations. She exemplifies the Mercy Values of our College.

Pax Bolton

Pax is a young person who exemplifies the Mercy Values of our College, specifically Respect and Compassion. Pax is patient, thorough and diplomatic, encouraging others to try again, and to try a little harder, without being overbearing – typifying the care and kindness he holds for others. All of these qualities were on show at our recent camp. Pax has an inner strength that comes out of a profound respect for others, their opinions and their needs. A very deserving recipient.

YEAR 9

Kortez George

Within the classroom Kortez is known as a reliable and engaged learner who quietly goes about her work.  On the Year 9 camp,  Kortez provided moral and physical support to her fellow campers. She led with enthusiasm, commitment and Compassion for her peers. Her ability to encourage and include others made her a valuable group member who was a positive contributor and role model to others. Kortez gained the respect of her peers and leaders alike.

Aleira Vanis

Aleira was a fantastic contributor to her camp group. She was always the first person to start working on group tasks and would often volunteer to assist, realising the importance of the task and collaboration.  Aleira showed Compassion to others and was a living example of Service.

YEAR 10

Ruby Bath

Ruby is a diligent and hard-working young person who exemplifies the Mercy values in her everyday life. Ruby has challenged herself this term, stepping out of her comfort zone and showing courage in her pursuit of excellence in dance and in her studies at school. Ruby also demonstrates Respect and Hospitality through her kindness, sharing a warm smile with all those she meets. Congratulations, Ruby – you are a very worthy recipient of this award.

Maggie Lamb

Maggie has embraced the opportunities offered at the St Mary’s Campus and in her role as one of our Year 10 Captains. Maggie is dedicated to her studies and works hard to achieve her very best. She leads by example in her organisation and encouraging others to do their best. Maggie lives Mercy every day through the value of Service and her contributions to our school community.

YEAR 11

Lenny McNamara

Lenny is an integral member of our Year 11 team, and no job is too big or small. He is always willing to jump in when needed, showing Courage, particularly when he is put on the spot. He is generous with his time and encouraging of others, showing a true sense of Service to our community.

Tee Kaw Plo Soe Mya 

Tee lives out the Mercy value of hospitality in his everyday life within the Catherine McAuley community, always presenting with a smile. He engages fully in his learning, showing Respect to all around him by consistently offering to help staff and students alike, making them feel welcome and heard.

YEAR 12

Maddison Bray

Maddison is an outstanding member of our community who has a passion for ecological justice. She has spent a considerable amount of time researching the colleges waste footprint and is working with a group of students to minimise this. Maddison leadership style as reGEN captain is one to be imitated as she follows in the footsteps of Catherine by caring for her community.

Chelsea Breene

Chelsea is a quiet achiever. She is a helpful and welcoming member of our College who looks out for others and always endeavours to do her best. Chelsea was an enthusiastic member of a group of Year 12 students who assembled hygiene packs to be donated to vulnerable members of the community while on Year 12 Retreat.