MacKillop’s Class of 2025 have been acknowledged at the Order of Australia Association’s annual Student Citizenship Awards, which were held on Wednesday 20 August at the Royal Canberra Golf Club.
 
The Governor-General, Ms Sam Mostyn AC, presented the Year 12 cohort with the Group Certificate Award for raising over $100,000 in the Cancer Council’s Relay for Life.
 
The fundraising effort involved Year 12 completing laps at the St Peter’s Campus between the hours of 7:00am and 7:00pm on a wet and cold day in late March, while seeking donations from the wider community for cancer research and support programs.
 
By the end of the fundraising period, Year 12 had raised the highest amount of any group in Australia.
 
The citation for the award praised the efforts of the cohort, while acknowledging the positive impact they have had on the lives of others.
 
“This heartfelt event was the culmination of a powerful community effort,” it read.
 
“Students reached out far and wide, engaging with local supporters to raise both vital funds and awareness for cancer prevention. The $101,433 raised will directly support cancer research projects within the ACT, making a tangible difference in the lives of those in the local community.
 
“The Cancer Council ACT described the students’ fundraising as ‘incredible’, noting that it will significantly bolster the capacity of their Cancer Research Grants Program, improve treatment outcomes, and offer renewed hope to individuals and families impacted by cancer.”
 
Students from other schools were also acknowledged at the event. The Catholic Voice covered the Student Citizenship Awards in detail.