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Three students from within Catholic Education South Australia schools were invited to Government House to receive an Order of Australia Student Citizenship Award from the Governor of South Australia, His Excellency the Honourable Hieu Van Le AC.

Congratulations to Francie from Xavier College, and Joshua and Sophie from Cardijn College, on this incredible recognition of your achievements.

These awards recognise young people who exemplify the Order of Australia values of fostering love of and pride in Australian citizenship and contribute broadly to their school and wider communities, rather than for specific academic or sporting achievements. The Awards exemplify The Order of Australia Association’s objective “to foster love of and pride in Australian citizenship”.

Students must be nominated for the award and submit a detailed application outlining how they meet a set criteria, which is then reviewed by a panel to recognise and assess the nature of service to the school and community along with leadership and pride in Australia citizenship.

Applications must outline how each student provides significant benefits for their school/college and/or general community, demonstrates leadership and influence on peers, skills in organisation, management and communication, and shows initiative and concern for the advancement and/or well-being of others by assisting groups in need or by making a significant contribution to the environment and community development.

Francie, a Year 12 student from Xavier College, was nominated for award consideration by Xavier College’s Assistant Principal, Pastoral Care, Rob Polito, for demonstrating not only outstanding academic achievement (she has won an academic excellence award, as top 10% of her cohort, every semester from 2015-2018), but also her extraordinary leadership ability.

“In my 26 years as an educator I do not believe I have encountered such an impressive student who wants to have such an impact in the world, but also in the lives of others. Francie completely embodies what this entire award is about, so it is with a high degree of pride that I nominated her for a student citizenship award for 2019”, Mr Polito said.

Francie is passionate about how she can positively affect the lives of others. Currently a House Captain, Francie is involved in weekly visits to Home Groups, speaking/ motivating students at assemblies, assisting students who need support, and acting as a positive role-model for fellow students.

Immensely invested in protecting the environment, Francie has major concerns with the current oil drilling proposal in the Great Australian Bite and is actively involved in protesting against this proposed project. Her genuine concern for others and trying to make a difference in this world was described as ‘phenomenal’.

Joshua, a Year 12 student from Cardijn College, is described as a quiet achiever, acknowledged for his incredible number of hours of service to others, who deserves to be recognised for his immense contributions to the Cardijn community and wider community.

Josh is passionate about volunteering his first aid skills as a Cadet First Responder with St John Ambulance (the highest Clinical Level a Youth Member can be). Josh is an Active Patrol member and Operator for State Communications for Surf Lifesaving SA, and a trainee Crew Member for the State Jet Rescue Boat Service.

Josh is said to inspire others within each area of voluntary work he carries out in the local community. His peers are said to often be in awe of how he continually uses his St John’s Ambulance skills to treat people at major sporting events or utilises his Surf Life Saving skills to ensure the safety of swimmers. Josh’s proactive leadership approach to simply ‘getting things done’ is said to be appreciated by everyone he assists.

Sophie, also a Year 12 student from Cardijn College, has consistently been chosen by her peers as an inspirational leader who supports, guides and values each member of the Cardijn College community. Having been elected a student leader every year from Year 7, Sophie was then elected as College Captain in 2019 by both the staff and student body. This is said to be a testament to Sophie’s character, commitment, leadership style and passion to bring out the best in her peers.

In her role as a leader of The Young Christian Students group, Sophie has inspired many of the younger students to join this vibrant and inspirationally supportive group and has promoted the need for continued passion and commitment to making social justice alive within the school and wider community.

Sophie is a passionate advocate for gender equality and recognises the need to promote the involvement and participation of females in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). Sophie plays women’s knockout footy while encouraging many other girls to take part in the competition and was also invited to attend the 2019 International Women’s Day Breakfast as a representative of Cardijn College. This is said to be just some of the ways that Sophie is an outstanding role model for those around her.

Throughout all her other extra-curricular involvement, including volunteer work in Scouts SA, Fred’s Van and Surf Life Saving SA, Sophie has remained committed to her academic rigor and success, consistently achieving excellent grades and receiving academic awards for her academic achievements.

Congratulations again to Francie, Josh and Sophie on your Order of Australia Student Citizenship Award as a recognition of your achievements.