This year’s Year 12 students have celebrated the end of their school journey, marking a significant milestone as they prepare to step into the next chapter of their lives.
After 13 years of dedicated learning and growth within Catholic education, these graduates leave behind a legacy shaped by the values and spiritual beliefs that have guided them throughout their schooling. Their time at school has offered more than just academic achievement, fostering leadership, resilience and a commitment to making positive change within their communities.
Amongst these graduates were the recipients of the 2025 Bishop of Parramatta Award for Student Excellence, an award that honours students who demonstrate strong leadership, a spirit of service and a desire to create meaningful change within their school communities.
Recipients were invited to reflect on their time in Catholic education and share what they are most grateful for from their school journey. Many spoke of the friendships, experiences and opportunities that have left a lasting impact on their personal, academic and spiritual growth.
For Meghan Lynch, a graduate of CathWest Innovation College Mount Druitt, the experiences that nurtured her leadership skills and deepened her cultural connection were especially meaningful, particularly her involvement with the Jarara Cultural Centre.
Meghan Lynch, Year 12 graduate of CathWest Innovation College Mount Druitt, with Head of Mission Mark Smith and Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv, during the 2025 Bishop of Parramatta Award for Student Excellence at St Patrick’s Cathedral, Parramatta. Image: Gene Ramirez/CSPD
“I’m most grateful for the opportunities my school has given me to grow in my faith and learning, to grow as a leader and to connect with Jarara, which has strengthened my cultural identity,” she said.
Zackary Armitage, a graduate of Patrician Brothers’ College Blacktown, said: “Throughout my schooling journey, I am most grateful for the opportunities that I received by being part of the Patrician Brothers’ Blacktown community, as well as the Diocese of Parramatta.
Zackary Armitage, Year 12 graduate of Patrician Brothers’ College Blacktown, with Head of Mission Mark Smith and Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv, during the 2025 Bishop of Parramatta Award for Student Excellence at St Patrick’s Cathedral, Parramatta. Image: Gene Ramirez/CSPD
“I’m grateful that I was able to grow not only in skills through sports and various academic enrichment opportunities, but also to grow in my faith and as a person due to leadership and LIFTED events.”
For Sophie Giannini, from St Clare’s Catholic High Hassall Grove, it was the support from her teachers and friends that left a lasting impression.
Sophie Giannini, Year 12 graduate from St Clare’s Catholic High Hassall Grove, with Head of Mission Mark Smith and Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv, during the 2025 Bishop of Parramatta Award for Student Excellence at St Patrick’s Cathedral, Parramatta. Image: Gene Ramirez/CSPD
“They have supported me in every challenge I have faced, and it is them who have made me the person I am today,” she said.
John Apolinar, from St John Paul II Catholic College Schofields, said: “I am most grateful for the fact that I have been blessed with a community and school that has fostered my Catholic faith, who have taught me to live a purposeful life and to go out into the world with confidence and humility, striving to be a better person and make a positive difference.
John Apolinar, Year 12 graduate from St John Paul II Catholic College Schofields, with Head of Mission Mark Smith and Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv, during the 2025 Bishop of Parramatta Award for Student Excellence at St Patrick’s Cathedral, Parramatta. Image: Gene Ramirez/CSPD
“That’s been made possible by the teachers and peers who’ve helped me through the ups and downs, and who’ve made me who I am today and supported me in everything I do.”
The experiences shared by these students highlight the profound impact of Catholic education in shaping lifelong learners while nurturing faith, character and a commitment to creating meaningful change.
With 80 schools across Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains, Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese is dedicated to nurturing faith-filled, service-minded students. By fostering a supportive environment that encourages academic excellence and personal growth, their schools empower students to thrive.
To learn more about their dedication to enriching students’ lives through education grounded in excellence, inclusivity and Catholic tradition, visit: parra.catholic.edu.au
Sabrina De La Motte is the Social Media Officer at Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese.
This article was originally published in the 2025 Advent & Christmas | Summer edition of the Catholic Outlook Magazine. You can read the digital version here or pick up a copy in your local parish.
