Attached to this prize is a nomination for a $2000 scholarship from the University of Newcastle.

Clayton topped the class in Extension 1 and 2 Mathematics, Chemistry and Physics, while Sophie Perkins took out the St Mary’s College prize for second place based on the school’s assessment program. Sophie was also presented with the UNE Vice-Chancellor’s high achievement award, which entitles her to a $2000 scholarship at the University of New England.

St Mary’s College Principal Max Quirk said he would always remember the Class of 2016 as the Mercy Class, a class that typified the spirit of mercy sown by the founding sisters back in 1879.

“At our regular assemblies we often talk about the gifts given to us at birth and how these gifts are not for us to use as we want,” Mr Quirk said.

“They are given to us to nurture and develop and use to create a better world for ourselves, our families and for the rest of humanity.

“I see so many of you striving to do your best in every way, achieving great things already in your young lives. In your study, your sport, your music and in the way you care for each other and the way you want to help those less fortunate. You really get it. As a class you get it. I see it in the way you pray and I see it on the banner you have chosen with the words used by Saint Mother Teresa of Calcutta ‘stay with us Lord and then I shall shine as you shine, so to shone, as to be a light for others’.

“We, the staff at St Mary’s, wish you much joy and blessing in your future lives. We wish you well in your final exams. Our thoughts and prayers go with you as you embark on the next important step of your life’s journey. Farewell and God bless.”

Parish Priest Fr John McHugh urged the students to embrace their successes, and acknowledge their inspirational teachers who had nourished, encouraged and challenged them

“Thank God for the friendships you have formed because it is through these relationships that adversity is shared,” he said.

“Success becomes mutual and bonds are strengthened.

“Tonight is also a night to extend gratitude to your parents or guardians and to all of those who have brought you to this moment, because without their resolve, sacrifice and above all, love, we could not be sharing this wonderful occasion together.

“Be proud of who you are and of where you have come from, be happy, enjoy your life, grow in wisdom, grow in goodness, grow in kindness, grow in compassion and grow deeply in the realisation that you are appreciated, respected and admired by all of us who gather with you tonight.”

Year 12 supervisor John Lennan also encouraged the students to be the every best they could be. He said the class had been a cohesive group who cared about each other and had a great future ahead.

The prestigious Honour Prize was presented to captains and vice-captains of the college in 2016,  Keely Murphy, Sam Koenig, Caitlin Phillips and Christopher Elphick, by Marie Hobson President of the ex-students association.

The ADF Long Tan award, donated by the ADF for leadership and teamwork, went to Keely Murphy, who also received the Bidelia O’Driscoll award in memory of the founder of the Gunnedah congregation of the Sisters of Mercy. This award is presented to a student who reflects the Mercy way of life, living by the spirit of the Gospel, showing compassion, values and is a fine role model.

Chelsea McCann was named Senior of the Year, recognising both scholastic and leadership activities.

The Katrina Ewing Memorial award was presented to Khobi Devine by Katrina’s parents Bob and Kerry. A former school captain, Katrina died tragically in a car accident almost 17 years ago and the award recognises many of her much loved traits of care and compassion for junior students.

Other awards:

Kathleen and William Burke Memorial prize for Studies of Religion: Sophie Perkins. Catholic Studies: Emma Tudgey. Consistent application in Studies of Religion, donated by the Knights of the Southern Cross: Matiese John.

English awards:

Extension English, Advanced English: Abby Jerrett. Standard English: Keely Murphy. English Studies: Laura Watterson.

Mathematics:

Sister Mary Casimir Memorial prize for Extension 2 Maths: Clayton Small. Extension 1 Mathematics: Clayton Small. Mathematics: Prajin Rodrigues. General Maths 2: Sophie Perkins. General Maths 1: Sativa Smith.

Science:

Rotary Club of Gunnedah awards for chemistry and physics: Clayton Small.

Rotary Club of Gunnedah award for biology: Georgia Woodward. Science and agriculture: Ashleigh Riley.

Northern Inland Credit Union award for ancient history presented by Jen Elphick:  Georgia Woodward. Business Studies and Legal Studies: Chelsea McCann.

GSBC award for PDHPE and Community and Family Studies: Sophie Perkins. Sport, Lifestyle and Recreation: Ashlee van Os. Ashlee also won the VET award for Primary Industries.

Music 1: Prajin Rodrigues. Music 2: KeelyMurphy. Extension 1 Music: Katelin Bush. Visual Arts: Chelsea McCann. Industrial Technology Wood: Patrick Murray.

Sport:

Most outstanding sporting achievement award went to Issabell Hunt who was a member of the NSW Waratahs under 18 girls team and also played in the women’s team in 2016. Issabell also received the Pierre de Coubertin award, which recognises students who demonstrate the values consistent with the Olympic movement through participation in sporting activities.

At the end of the awards presentation, the Year 12 students gathered for the last time as a class to receive their certificates and final school reports.

The principal, staff family and friends wish each and every one of the 48 students the best of luck in their HSC exams and the years ahead.