Do you still have your certificates and trophies from high school? Do you remember the rush of excitement when your name was called and your hard work was recognised?
Echoes of The Girl from Ipanema swelled in the auditorium as the College’s own Funk-Jazz-Rock band welcomed guests to the Ipswich Civic Centre for our night-of-nights. Rebekah Rivas sang beautifully in her native Spanish as the Secondary School Presentation Evening got underway.
The second event in a week of celebrations, the Presentation Evening rewarded students for their service to school, church and community as well as academic performance. Joshua Mansfield, Head of Secondary, reflects “it’s a night for glorifying God for the opportunities He gives us each and every day to learn more about his wonderful creation, and to serve one another.”
Student Playing at Presentation Evening
A night of excitement and recognition, Year 10 student, Rebekah Barrett was awarded the Principal’s Service Medal. It is the highest honour afforded to a Westside student. She noted “I was only able to achieve so much due to hard-work, dedication, planning and plenty of God given opportunities for me to take advantage of.” She continued “Serving is something which I am really passionate about as you can see the needs and opportunities available to you.” Her humility, a key factor in winning the award, was clear.
The Caltex All Rounder award, one of Australia’s most respected secondary education recognitions, was won by College Vice Captain Liam Harrigan. His exceptional academic and cultural contributions over the past five years were sealed with handshakes and smiles from respected members of parliament Mr Milton Dick MP and Deputy Mayor Paul Tully.
Our College Captains, Principal and Chairman of the Board delivered four speeches, which all consisted of the same theme, thankfulness to God, and celebration of a year in which through the ups and downs, we as a College have remained firm in our trust in God for all things.
Fresh from their exceptional performance at Soiree, the Symphonic Band, directed by Miss Krist-elle Hill performed beautifully. It is always encouraging to join in the singing of the National Anthem with an Ipswich Civic Centre-sized audience, where we can acknowledge the freedom we have in Australia to learn, grow and achieve.
An enormous thank you must go to all those who made the night run smoothly, from the Ipswich Civic Centre attendants, through to the presenters, and Milton Dick the member for Oxley and Councillor Paul Tully for their attendance and support. Westside Christian College thanks parents and friends for attending, and responding to the evening with great respect. Finally, we are extremely grateful to Mrs Katy Rohl, supported by Mrs Carol Kite, for the tireless work behind the scenes to ensure the evening ran smoothly.
