St James College came together on Friday evening to celebrate excellence, achievement and community at the annual Awards & Highlights Evening.

The event recognised student excellence and spirit across academics, leadership, culture, sport, the arts, and advocacy, a true reflection of the values that define the St James community. Guests enjoyed an evening of vibrant performances and heartfelt student reflections that captured the energy and diversity of college life.

Principal Ms Andrée Rice addressed the audience, commending students for their achievements and sharing reflections from her first year leading the college.

“Our diversity is our strength — and our students’ achievements show what is possible when every young person is seen, supported and celebrated,” Ms Rice added.

Special guests included The Hon Grace Grace MP, The Hon Madonna Jarrett MP, Councillor Vicki Howard, Mr Faysel Ahamed Selat, Ms Christine Clarke, and representatives from The University of Queensland, QUT, Griffith University, Australian Catholic University, and other valued community and industry partners.

Principal Rice closed her address with a message that captured the essence of the evening.

“Imagine what would happen if we applied the culture of Jimmies to all that ails society and the world — there would be no more ‘us and them’, only an inclusive circle of belonging. What a world that would be,” Ms Rice said.

Major Award Recipients – 2025

College Dux: Ziheng (Alvin) Yang
Liberating Education Academic Excellence: Basira Hazara and Mitra Hussani
Edmund Rice Leadership Award: Engy Abdalla Gamar, Mustafa Ibrahimzai, Jotoa Lealiiee, and Mia Jonker
Br Finbar Mulry Award: Engy Abdalla Gamar
Indigenous Reconciliation Bursary: Yazmin Compton-Furner, Yvonne Jones, and Darelle Paiwan
Excellence in Senior Debating: Mia Jonker
International Student Ambassador of the Year: Chi Ching Alfred Leung
Outstanding Contribution to Advocacy – St Stephen’s Cathedral Award: Esther Ishimwe
Gerry Crooks Outstanding Contribution to Cultural Life of the College: Jackson Vitale and Layla Satui
ACU Impact Award: Basira Hazara
Ann Rebgetz Outstanding Contribution to Expressive Arts: Ava Lee
Sportsperson of the Year: Jayden Newell and Mahlia Henare
ADF Long Tan Leadership Award: Ezekiel Haworth and Mahlia Henare
ADF Excellence in Innovation: Allen Nellissery and Basira Hazara
Multiclass Sportsperson of the Year: Molly Carter
Multiclass Sports Star of the Year: Oliver Hutchison
School Based Trainee of the Year: Tahira Muckan
Skills and Training Student of the Year: Engy Abdalla Gamar and Jackson Vitale
Maunsell’s Fine Furniture Award for Outstanding Vocational Trade Skills: Ethan Murray
Ampol All Rounder: Layla Satui
Young Person with Determination to Succeed: Ayeal (Missy) Deng, Marwa Ibrahimzai and Cadeau Kwizera
Past Students’ Association for Academic Integrity: Ava Bradshaw