Deus Caritas Est Award Recipients
26 July 2024 | Posted in Catholic Identity
Deus Caritas Est Award Recipients
The Catholic Education Deus Caritas Est Award is our most prestigious student award and is presented during Catholic Education Week at the Catholic Education Week Mass. Each of our secondary schools nominated one representative (Year 12 student) who demonstrated a commitment to Christian living in how they interact and treat others.
The award is inspired by the encyclical “Deus Caritas Est”, recognising loving service lived out with a faith conviction. The recipients are presented with a small bursary to either donate to a charity of their choice, or put towards the pursuit of their service goals.
Congratulations to our 2024 recipients!
Casey Calligaro
Burdekin Catholic High School, Ayr
Casey is a shining example of kindness, compassion, and dedication to the school and its community. He embodies the school's mission and is actively engaged in prayer and liturgical life. His peers and teachers deeply respect him for his positive attitude and for always seeing the best in others. Casey's presence in the school is felt in every aspect, as he selflessly volunteers his time and treats those around him with utmost respect. He is a wonderful listener and always puts others before himself, making sure their voices are heard. Casey is a true role model and a valuable member of the school community.
Caleb Kadiko
Columba Catholic College, Charters Towers
Caleb is a devoted follower of Jesus Christ, actively participating and modelling Gospel Values. He has been recognised by his peers and teachers for his commitment to faith and leadership as the Cultural Prefect. Caleb consistently demonstrates respect, inclusivity, and servant leadership in all aspects of his school community, regularly leading the Acknowledgement to Country and offering assistance to those in need. His compassionate and selfless nature makes him a strong role model for the college community.
Lijllianna Heystraten
Gilroy Santa Maria College, Ingham
Lijllianna is a kind and caring person who demonstrates God's love through her actions towards others, the community, and the environment. She is a committed and responsible student who embodies her religious beliefs with sincerity. Lijllianna's involvement in various school activities such as attending mass, leading the formation of a youth group, and participating in programs to help those in need showcases her genuine warmth, generosity, and hospitality. Her dedication to supporting the College and her peers through her involvement with Caritas, young vinnies cook ups, and youth club truly reflects her compassionate nature.
Bernadette Feliciano
Good Shepherd Catholic College, Mount Isa
Bernadette is a welcoming and kind student with strong leadership qualities and a genuine heart for serving others. She is a living example of faith-centered living, actively participating in her parish and sharing her love for God through her actions. Bernadette's joyful and generous spirit shines through in all that she does, making her a true inspiration and role model for others, including myself.
Alexander Demopoulos
Ignatius Park College, Townsville
Alex is an incredibly loving and caring individual, whose faith shines through in all that he does. He has consistently shown unwavering support and care for those around him. Whether it's through his active involvement in the church or his dedication to being a positive role model, Alex exemplifies what it means to live out one's faith. His kind and inclusive nature creates a community where everyone feels accepted and valued. He is a true leader in his humility and selflessness, always going above and beyond to lift others up.
Ivy Archer
Ryan Catholic College, Kirwan
Ivy is a dedicated Catholic with a strong faith who actively participates in school liturgies and encourages her peers to live out their faith. She is inclusive and respected by both younger students and her peers. As a leader of the YCS group, she uses scripture to inspire positive actions and is committed to working towards a better school and community. Ivy is humble, gracious, and actively seeks solutions to improve the College.
Jack Muller
Southern Cross Catholic College, Annandale
Jack is a dedicated and supportive member of the college community, attending all events and participating in various activities such as liturgies, charity work, and social justice groups. He treats everyone with love and respect, and is known for his joyful and positive attitude. Jack has taken the initiative to create a musical celebration for the college, showcasing the talents of secondary students, which has now become an annual event. He is a true reflection of God's love and dedication to serving others.
Laurel-Lee Lestone
St Anthony’s Catholic College, Deeragun
Laurel-Lee is an exceptional student who exemplifies the values of the school. From her dedication to academic and extracurricular activities, to her positive relationships and her genuine kindness towards others, Laurel-Lee is a shining example of a true leader. Her commitment to the school's Franciscan values is evident in all aspects of her involvement, from her role as a House Captain to her involvement in fundraising and community-building events. Laurel-Lee's inclusive and welcoming nature has made her a well-respected and integral member of the school community, and she truly embodies the spirit of "preaching the Gospel at all times." Her synergy with students from all grades shows her ability to bring people together and foster a sense of community and fraternity in our school.
Maeve Hornstra
St Catherine’s Catholic College, The Whitsundays
Maeve is a compassionate and considerate student who lives out the college values in all aspects of her life. She is actively involved in parish and college liturgies, as well as various extra curricular activities. Maeve's kindness and generosity is evident in the way she treats others and her commitment to social justice, making her a role model for other students. She is known for her helpfulness and support towards her peers, and is well-loved for her warm and welcoming presence in the school community.
Amber Brine
St Margaret Mary’s College, Hyde Park
Amber is a dedicated and hardworking student who consistently demonstrates determination in all aspects of her college life. Her impeccable behaviour and strong relationships with her peers and faculty showcase her positive leadership skills and her commitment to the college's values of community, hospitality, respect, and service. Amber's passion for making a positive impact in the world is evident through her active involvement in various charity initiatives and her ability to inspire others through her example of walking the talk of Gospel Values. She radiates positivity and inclusivity, making everyone feel welcome and connected as one community.
Adelaide Burke
St Patrick’s College, Townsville
Adelaide is a humble and dedicated Faith & Mission Prefect who embodies the Gospel values in her role. She is a servant leader and regularly organises and supports social justice activities at the college. Adelaide demonstrates her faith by actively participating in liturgies and Eucharist celebrations, and has taken up the role of an Eucharistic Minister. She is a visible example of Christian living and is highly regarded for her kindness, thoughtfulness, and generosity of spirit among students and staff. Adelaide constantly goes above and beyond to support and encourage others and is committed to her role as a leader and servant to the college community.
Jahrahn Neal-Yeatman
St Teresa’s College, Abergowrie
Jahrahn is a selfless and compassionate leader who puts the needs of others above his own. As the College Captain, he leads by example and is involved in various activities such as the College Band at Mass and fundraising for Project Compassion. His positive influence is not limited to his peers, as he also mentors younger students and challenges negative attitudes. Jahrahn is a spiritual role model who actively participates in liturgies and is always willing to lend a helping hand to staff and students alike.
