Bright futures: Fairholme College’s 200 shining stars

Hundreds of students from Fairholme College have received a special award for excelling in academics, sport, the arts and service. These are their stories.

More than 200 students from Fairholme College have received awards for their contributions to the school at the annual Presenting Fairholme ceremony.

We sat down with 14 of the award-winning recipients who opened up about their biggest achievements and how they plan to make the world a better place.

From kicking goals in sport and taking centre stage in the arts, to receiving straight A-grades and making an impact on the community, here are some Toowoomba students with bright futures ahead.

Holly Ford. Picture: Nev Madsen.

Holly Ford, 17

When Holly Ford was a kindergarten student, she recalls looking up to the head girls of Fairholme College, so it was the ultimate honour when she was voted in as the head day girl for 2023.

Working alongside the school captain and head border girl, Holly said she was looking forward to representing the school which has been part of her and her family’s lives for many years.

“It didn’t feel real when I found out but I feel so honoured to serve as a role model for the younger girls, just like the head girls did for me,” she said.

“I’ve been here for 15 years and Fairholme has been such a huge part of my life, so it will be weird (graduating high school) but I’m also excited to see what the future holds.”

Holly received a general merit award for being in the top 12 to 15 per cent of her grade as well as The Fairholme Old Girls’ Association Bursary.

She said being able to share the moment with her mum, a former Fairholme student who was sitting in the audience, was incomparable.

After undergoing a series of operations herself, Holly said the experiences inspired her to help and comfort others receiving treatment in a hospital.

She is currently scoping out universities in Queensland and Victoria and hopes to study medicine and anaesthesiology.

Isabella Lewis. Picture: Nev Madsen.

Isabella Lewis, 17

Technology was never something Isabella Lewis considered until she joined the sound and lighting team at Fairholme five years ago.

Assisting with all the technical aspects of school events and assemblies, Isabella has been elected co-captain of the group, alongside her close friend.

All too pleased to gain leadership experience from the role, Isabella said it may be part of the reason she received The Cupples Family Prize this year.

“I’m actually not at all tech-savvy so I’m still learning to master the technology part, but I’m good with people,” she said.

“I’m just really proud to be leading the school in something I can lead well.”

Despite working behind-the-scenes, the sound and lighting captain said the team were always recognised for their efforts and loved when a show went seamlessly.

When she’s not adjusting microphones or working the projector, Isabella is taking the steps to achieve her career ambitions in law and the arts.

Inspired by her dad who works in family law, the Year 11 student said it was a specialty area which required more promotion with plenty of people in need of the service.

She plans to apply for the dual degree at The University of Queensland in Brisbane.

Nia Saleh. Picture: Nev Madsen

Nia Saleh, 16

She may not have been born until the naughties, but when it comes to music Nia Saleh is an old soul – with great taste.

The 2023 arts prefect discovered her passion for music when she began playing the piano at the young age of three.

Inspired by the likes of rock legends Guns N’ Roses, AC/DC and Earth, Wind and Fire, the 16-year-old still plays the piano, as well as the percussion and sings.

“I love (those bands) because of the skill and talent it takes to play something so aesthetically pleasing to hear,” Nia said.

“You can feel their enjoyment and excitement by playing through their music which is really fun too.”

Over the years, Nia has been part of the Toowoomba Choral Youth Society’s orchestra pit and participated in the Darling Downs State Honours Ensemble Program.

She also received the Award for Original and Significant Contribution to College Life and The Gwen Gartshore Prize for Piano, which will fund a portion of her lessons.

Despite feeling overwhelmed with “joy” when she was named arts prefect, Nia said she committed herself to the arts as much as possible, not for a leadership role, but for the love she held for it.

After completing a Cert III in aviation last year, the 16-year-old found her passion for learning how things worked and building drones and hopes to pursue aeronautical engineering as a result.

She plans to go to university in Brisbane and perform gigs as a hobby.

Kadence Wilson. Picture: Nev Madsen.

Kadence Wilson, 16

She may only be 16-years-old but Kadence Wilson has plans to change the world one day.

The Fairholme student received a general merit, Australian Defence Force Long Tan Youth Future Innovators Award and The Mayoral School Achievement Medal this year.

After excelling in maths, science, English and the arts, the Year 11 student entered and became a finalist in several statewide competitions including the Hermitage Schools Plant Science and Future Anything: Youth Entrepreneurship in Schools Competitions.

As part of the latter, Kadence was asked to create a business which assisted in solving a world problem and she chose to pitch a cosmetics brand to raise awareness about bullying.

“Bullying is something I’ve experienced and people I’m close to have been impacted by, so I’m very passionate about the topic,” she said.

“It’s one of those things that are everywhere, not just in the primary school playground, but you see it in high schools, at universities and in the workplace.

“Down the line, everyone will be impacted by it in some capacity so my idea was about preventing it in early in primary school, so it doesn’t follow people into adulthood.”

After growing up in a very small town near McKinlay and Julia Creek, Kadence witnessed first-hand the lack of medical resources and assistance available in rural Queensland.

With a desire to make medical services accessible for everyone, the high school student intends to study medicine at JCU and become a specialist in cardiothoracic surgery.

“It could be as simple as falling off a motorbike, but in those small towns you have to travel for 11 hours just to get medical attention,” she said.

“My biggest passion is bringing healthcare to those areas because there are massive areas of land with what seems like forgotten people and they aren’t receiving the help they need.”

Katie Brock. Picture: Nev Madsen.

Katie Brock, 16

Few students will have faced an adjustment in education quite like Katie Brock, who moved from her homeschooling format in Mt Isa to mainstream education in Toowoomba.

While she said learning the ropes and leaving her family to become a boarding student had its challenges, she will be forever grateful for the opportunity her parents granted her in enrolling at Fairholme.

Katie who has been playing volleyball since she started high school has been elected captain of her school team and is looking forward to helping younger students.

She also won the Patricia Horrocks Memorial Prize for Diligence – an achievement she believes was due to her work ethic and ability to balance school work and co-curricular activities.

“My main motto is small things matter, so if I know I have a big assessment coming up, I break it down into smaller tasks … plus I love colour coding,” Katie said.

“But I also use it in everyday situations – saying hi to someone in the hallway can brighten their day and make a big impact.”

After completing her Cert III in assistant nursing and a voluntary placement at St Andrew’s Hospital, Katie fell in love with the industry and hopes to pursue nursing at UniSQ.

Elizabeth Janetzki. Picture: Nev Madsen.

Elizabeth Janetzki, 16

Happiest when playing classical music, Elizabeth Janetzki said her biggest achievement during her time at school was winning the Dorothy Morton Encouragement Prize for Piano.

Drawn to the works of greats like Beethoven, Elizabeth has been playing the instrument for the past decade and received the recognition for her dedication to her private lessons.

“It was a bit daunting (to get up on stage and receive the award) and I wasn’t expecting it, but it’s good to know all the hard work has been worthwhile,” she said.

“Playing the piano is a way to express things that I can’t say out loud and it’s so therapeutic.”

Other than music, Elizabeth said her other favourite subject is English because she loves to read and write.

When she graduates from high school, she plans to study a dual degree in law and journalism at either The University of Queensland or Griffith in Brisbane.

Clare Hogan. Picture: Nev Madsen.

Clare Hogan, 16

Passionate about helping others and making an impact, Clare Hogan is now fully qualified to be a nursing assistant.

After completing a Cert III in health services with the Mater Hospital and working in the St Rafael’s Ward of St Vincent’s Hospital, she is now more determined than ever to work in the health industry.

Leaning towards a career in nursing or speech and occupational therapy, the 16-year-old student said her dream careers were all about helping and having empathy for others.

“Speech therapy isn’t just about talking, but it also helps people learn how to swallow food, do daily tasks they haven’t been able to do and get back to their lives,” she said.

The Year 10 student received the Dr Ros Dunlop Prize for Outstanding Commitment to academic work while also looking after the wellbeing of other students.

Clare said while there was an expectation for high school graduates to move to Brisbane for studies, she was interested in attending James Cook University in Townsville.

She also hoped to put her certification into action and gain further experience working at hospitals while she continues her studies.

“I will have been at this school for 15 years so I want to go out and meet new people, explore the world,” Clare said.

Ayesha Saleh. Picture: Nev Madsen.

Ayesha Saleh, 15

If anyone knows how it feels to be held back by something out of their control, it’s Ayesha Saleh.

After excelling in cross country competitions and qualifying for the Darling Downs trials, Ayesha discovered her love for running.

Every day, the dedicated student wakes up at 4.30am to train for a half marathon which she hopes to compete in next year.

But her dreams were temporarily halted when several injuries including a strained foot, Achilles and leg, meant she had to rest for three long months.

“It was frustrating because being still makes me feel uncomfortable and I like to be busy all the time,” Ayesha said.

“I don’t run to get thin or be healthy – I run because it connects me with my body and makes me feel complete.”

While Ayesha loves pushing herself in sport, she also enjoys creating music, whether it be through singing or playing a long list of instruments including the violin.

Currently enrolled in the cadets, Ayesha hopes to enlist in the military while completing a medical degree.

Inspired by her dad who was in the navy, Ayesha’s ultimate goal after the military is to become a paediatrician.

“By then I’ll hopefully be training for a full marathon.”

Jane Newnham. Picture: Nev Madsen.

Jane Newnham, 15

When Jane Newnham’s brother came to Toowoomba for operations, she remembers her family falling in love with the area and they decided to enrol her at Fairholme College.

The Year 9 student who has been boarding for the past three years, is from Myall Creek in NSW, where her parents farm cattle and sheep.

While she said it was challenging to leave her family, it was comforting to have her two brothers who attend Toowoomba Grammar School.

“You get the best of both worlds coming to school in Toowoomba because you get to experience the city life, but then go home to the farm,” Jane said.

With few afternoons free, the student has worked hard to balance her commitments of school work, netball, futsal, piano and speech and drama lessons.

But Jane considers receiving the Ardens sed Virens Award her biggest achievement to date.

“The award goes to one student from Years 9 to 11, who follows the college values and is kind to others,” she said.

A big fan of Adam Sandler comedies, murder mysteries and television show Friends, Jane hopes to one day see herself on the big screen, have a family and purchase a farm.

Crystal Deng. Picture: Nev Madsen.

 Crystal Deng, 15

Nothing brings Crystal Deng more joy than expressing her creativity.

Despite initially learning to play the piano, the 15-year-old has developed a passion for the cello which she has been playing for the past seven years.

She has also been selected twice to attend the State Honour Ensemble Program in the Darling Downs and Brisbane.

The program offers participants the opportunity to meet new people, play in different ensembles and work with a conductor.

“I love the sound of the cello and find it more interesting than the piano,” Crystal said.

“When you first get up on stage and everyone looks at you, you feel a bit of pressure, but the more you do it, the more comfortable and proud you feel.”

Awarded the Madge Chamberlin Middle School Cultural Award for her contribution to the arts, the student plays in the school’s orchestra, chamber strings and quartet.

She is also a member of the choir, visual arts and sound and lighting groups.

Keen to continue pursuing her musical talents, Crystal also hopes to follow a STEM career, as she loves mathematics and formulas.

Claire Murphy. Picture: Nev Madsen.

Claire Murphy, 14

Few students would say they enjoy the academic side of school, but Claire Murphy is one of them.

The boarding student who lives on a cattle station in a small town near Hughenden was awarded dux last year for receiving the highest academic achievement in the grade.

While intelligence and ambition have something to do with her impressive grades, the year 8 student said she believes it comes down to two things – self-motivation and supportive parents.

“Some of my friends worry about showing their grades to their parents, but mine have just never been like that – they want us to do well, but they never pressure us,” Claire said.

“I actually really enjoy school so I guess it’s easy to study and do well if you enjoy it.”

The general merit and Original and Significant Contribution to College Life recipient hopes to one day follow in the footsteps of her mum who works as a general practitioner.

Fascinated by science and humanities, Claire said she would like to specialise in cardiovascular medicine and break down barriers rural communities face in accessing treatment.

“You hear lots of stories about people in regional areas who don’t have access to medical services and when my mum goes into town to work, she’s almost always booked out,” she said.

She also intends to buy her own property and either start a business in the cattle industry or run her own medical practice.

Caitlin Schultheiss. Picture: Nev Madsen.

Caitlin Schultheiss, 13

When Caitlin Schultheiss was called to the stage for not one, but two awards, she was ecstatic.

Taking out the general merit and original and significant contribution to college life awards, the Year 8 student said she believed she was recognised for her participation in all aspects of the school.

From playing double bass for the college band, defending the goal circle in netball or taking a stand as the second speaker on the school debating team, Caitlin has certainly made her mark.

Fairholme’s debating team of five went up against schools from across the Darling Downs this year and came out in second place.

The competition featured a mix of short and long preparation debates with topics including ‘Is space exploration useless’.

“I was affirmative on that topic and my main argument was you never know what’s left to come,” she said.

“What’s the point of spending so much money to go up to space when you could use a much cheaper solution to explore the ocean?”

Despite it being her first year of debating, Caitlin said she loved working with a team and having an opportunity to share her voice and opinions.

Excelling in mathematics and art, the student hopes to become a paediatrician when she finishes school.

Alicia Yap. Picture: Nev Madsen.

Alicia Yap, 12

She may only be at the start of her high school journey, but Alicia Yap has already set her sights on being head girl of Fairholme College one day.

The Year 7 student who has attended the school since kindergarten received a General Merit and The Chairman’s Award for Positive Care and Support of Peers.

“I didn’t expect to get an award but I think my grade voted for me because I try to be friends with everyone,” she said.

Alicia who has been playing the piano since the age of three, has also developed a love for the cello and saxophone during her time at the college, as well as a knack for basketball.

“It’s funny because I wanted to play netball but my friend asked me to play basketball with her so she didn’t have to do it alone,” she said.

“She stopped playing but I love it.”

With plenty of time to determine the future career she hopes to pursue, Alicia said she’s open to all options except “science.”

Addison Attrill. Picture: Nev Madsen.

Addison Attrill, 12

For Addison Attrill, nothing feels better than overtaking a competitor in a race – other than crossing the finish line of course.

The Year 7 student was awarded Middle School Sportswoman of the Year for her successes in cross country, aquathlon and hockey, which includes making the state and regional championships.

“Being one of the youngest students to receive an award felt pretty good,” Addison said.

“Cross country is my favourite sport … I love overtaking people.”

With a dream to qualify for running in the 2032 Olympics, Addison also hopes to become a lawyer.

When she isn’t running, she also enjoys learning about history and writing narratives.

Full list of 2022 Presenting Fairholme College award recipients

The Award for Original and Significant Contribution to College Life - Caitlin Schultheiss

The Chairman’s Award for Positive Care and Support of Peers - Alicia Yap

General Merit - Imogen Allen

General Merit - Alexia Davey

General Merit - Mila Faletau

General Merit - Ashton Hamblin

General Merit - Charlotte Lee

General Merit - Layla Magarey

General Merit - Aemilia Moar

General Merit - Emily Moore

General Merit - Maeve Morison

General Merit - Ruby Murphy

General Merit - Avantika Saji

General Merit - Caitlin Schultheiss

General Merit - Richa Vimal

General Merit - Alicia Yap

General Merit - Helen Yong

The Chairman’s Award for Positive Care and Support of Peers- Millie Dewar

The Award for Original and Significant Contribution to College Life - Claire Murphy

General Merit - Anne Anderson

General Merit - Francesca Barwick

General Merit - Ava Carrigan

General Merit - Rhea Desai

General Merit - Millie Dewar

General Merit - Alexandra Edwards

General Merit - Tayla Kauter

General Merit - Lily Martin

General Merit - Penelope Moffitt

General Merit - Claire Murphy

General Merit - Amelia Roughan

General Merit - Emma Salter

General Merit - Grace Taylor

General Merit - Megan Treloar

General Merit - Serah Vimal

General Merit - Ruby Walker

General Merit - Claire Willis

The Madge Chamberlin Middle School Cultural Award - Yueying Deng

The Quota Award for Service - Leora Dowling

The Chairman’s Award for Positive Care and Support of Peers - Millicent Lockwood

The Virginia Noakes Memorial Prize for Dedication - Laura Macdonald

Ardens sed Virens Award - Jane Newnham

The Award for Original and Significant Contribution to College Life - Ayesha Saleh

The Madge Chamberlin Middle School Cultural Award - Ebbeny Williams-Cherry

General Merit - Molly Cleeve

General Merit - Chanudi Dissanayake

General Merit - Lara Ecroyd

General Merit - Lilli Hamilton

General Merit - Indianna Hitchcock

General Merit - Lucy Kilner

General Merit - Alexandra Kuhn

General Merit - Eleanor MacFarlane

General Merit - Gracie Mack

General Merit - Charlotte Mailler

General Merit - Ruoqing Qiu

General Merit - Ayesha Saleh

General Merit - Elana Schultheiss

General Merit - Geneva Searle

General Merit - Julia Wainwright

General Merit - Annie White

General Merit - Rori Zimmerman

Maria Barr Memorial Prize for Visual Art - Lily Cameron

The Chairman’s Award for Positive Care and Support of Peers - Sruthi Gandu

Dr Ros Dunlop Prize for Outstanding Commitment - Clare Hogan

The Dorothy Morton Encouragement Prize for Piano - Elizabeth Janetzki

The Australian Defence Force Long Tan Youth Leadership and Teamwork Award - Annabelle Rogan

The Allan and Jeanette Faragher Spirit of Fairholme Award - Ciara Teahan

The Australian Defence Force Long Tan Youth Future Innovators Award - Kadence Wilson

The Mayoral School Achievement Medal - Kadence Wilson

The Award for Original and Significant Contribution to College Life - Rachel Yap

General Merit - Chloe Bruggemann

General Merit - Mia Callachor

General Merit - Grace Cornford

General Merit - Haylee Crouch

General Merit - Sruthi Gandu

General Merit - Hannah Kassab

General Merit - Sophie Khan

General Merit - Abbie Loughlin

General Merit - Ruby Newell

General Merit - Hannah Pocknee

General Merit - Annabelle Rogan

General Merit - Ankita Sajjan

General Merit - Ciara Teahan

General Merit - Shumaila Wahab

General Merit - Kadence Wilson

General Merit - Rachel Yap

The Patricia Horrocks Memorial Prize for Diligence - Katie Brock

The Chairman’s Award for Positive Care and Support of Peers - Abigail Crocker

The Fairholme Old Girls’ Association Bursary - Holly Ford

The Cupples Family Prize - Isabella Lewis

The Professor WM Kyle Memorial Bursary - Georgia Quinn

The Professor WM Kyle Memorial Bursary - Julia Rathie

The Award for Original and Significant Contribution to College Life - Nia Saleh

The Gwen Gartshore Prize for Piano - Nia Saleh

General Merit - Lilly Biernoff

General Merit - Janithya Dharmawardhane

General Merit - Isabella Doyle

General Merit - Chloe Ecroyd

General Merit - Holly Ford

General Merit - Keely Gilmore

General Merit - Rose Malone

General Merit - Alyssa McDonald Smith

General Merit - Eliza Paffey

General Merit - Georgia Quinn

General Merit - Julia Rathie

General Merit - Georgina Walker

General Merit - Isabelle Watts

Prefect for Sport - Taleah Ackland

The Rita Moreton Award for Servant Leadership - Molly Armstrong

The Patrea O’Shea Memorial Award for an Outstanding Captain of The Arts - Skye Bleney

The Award for Outstanding Service to the College - Monika Bruggemann

The Nancy Shaw Prize for Head Girl - Monika Bruggemann

The Nicholas Byron Award for an Outstanding Captain of Sport - Liberty-Ann Clark

The Patrea O’Shea Memorial Award for an Outstanding Captain of The Arts - Charli Cumming

The Allan Faragher Memorial Award for Head Day Girl - Erin Hoffensetz

The Janet Abberton Memorial Award - Erin Hoffensetz

The Phyllis Lovell Memorial Bursary - Erin Hoffensetz

Ampol Best All-Rounder Award - Evangeline Imray

The Chairman’s Award for Positive Care and Support of Peers - Hannah Johnson

The Marshall Award for Positive Attitude and Helpfulness in the Boarding House - Hannah Johnson

The Award for Original and Significant Contribution to College Life - Eliza Kingston

The Award for Work and Artistic Endeavour - Eliza Kingston

The Bob Balsillie Memorial Award for the Prefect for The Arts - Eliza Kingston

Ray Powell Cup for Work and Sport - Emily Mailler

The Nicholas Byron Award for an Outstanding Captain of Sport - Ava Marjoribanks

Lindsay Statham Memorial Award for Contribution to The Arts - Sarah McMaster

The Pat Jackson Prize for Responsibility and Initiative of a Day Girl - Cosme McPhie

The Australian Defence Force Long Tan Youth Future Innovators Award - Mahsa Nabizada

The Community Service Award - Mahsa Nabizada

The Daisy Culpin Memorial Award for Leadership and Work - Zara Nimac

The Friends of Boarding Award for Responsibility and Initiative of a Boarder - Charlotte Patterson

The Prize for Head Boarder - Charlotte Patterson

Significant Contribution in Work, Sport, Cultural Activities and Leadership - Charlotte Patterson

The Rita Moreton Award for Servant Leadership - Audrey Rouse

The Mrs Margaret Cameron Prize for Work and Character - Lauren Scott

The Waveney Browne Memorial Award for Conscientious Endeavour - Ruby Smith

The Pamela Wall Memorial Trophy - Alex Thompson

The Phyllis Lovell Memorial Bursary- Alex Thompson

The Rita Moreton Award for Servant Leadership - Alex Thompson

The Australian Defence Force Long Tan Youth Leadership and Teamwork Award - Yalnaz Wahab

The Moderator’s Prize for Christian Leadership - Ruby Wilkes

General Merit - India Bailey

General Merit - Scarlet Barwick

Music Extension Award - Skye Bleney

Psychology Award - Ella Bruggemann

General Merit - Ella Bruggemann

The Jillian Cupples Memorial Prize for a Drama Student from Rural Australia - Liberty-Ann Clark

Literature Award - Amelie Clifford

Mrs Norma Thomas Memorial Award for Encouragement of a Year 12 French Student - Amelie Clifford

General Merit - Amelie Clifford

Dance Award - Charli Cumming

Ancient History Award - Harriet Davoren

English and Literature Extension Award - Harriet Davoren

General Merit - Harriet Davoren

Jeff Randall Memorial Award for Most Improved Student in Year 12 Accounting - Joeli Goodger

German Award - Erin Hoffensetz

General Merit - Erin Hoffensetz

Agricultural Science Award - Olivia Houldcroft

Legal Studies Award - Faith Hurley

The Mrs M Snow Memorial Award for General Mathematics - Faith Hurley

Lawrence Drama Trophy for the Most Improved Student of Drama - Yulita Khalil

Music Award - Eliza Kingston

The Vocational Education and Training Award for an Exceptional Trainee - Eliza Kingston

Chemistry Award - Emily Mailler

Economics Award - Emily Mailler

The Lady Persia Galleghan Memorial English Award - Emily Mailler

Modern History Award - Emily Mailler

General Merit - Emily Mailler

Physical Education Award - Ava Marjoribanks

Sport and Recreation Award - Katie McGrath

Visual Art Award - Sarah McMaster

The Beverley-Anne Schmidt Award for Love of Literature - Cosme McPhie

Drama Award - Cosme McPhie

French Award - Cosme McPhie

The Mrs Robyn Jones Award for a Dedicated Student of Ancient History - Cosme McPhie

General Merit - Cosme McPhie

Accounting Award - Bridie Miller

Belle Gillies Memorial Award for Specialist Mathematics - Zara Nimac

Biological Science Award - Zara Nimac

Japanese Award - Zara Nimac

General Merit - Zara Nimac

TAFE Queensland Outstanding Vocational Student Award - Abbey Palmer

Visual Art Award - Charlotte Patterson

General Merit - Charlotte Patterson

General Merit - Mia Rogers

General Merit - Lauren Scott

Essential Mathematics - Ruby Smith

Patricia Sulewski Geography Award - Ruby Smith

Hospitality Award - Holly Sperling

The Mater Education Pursuit of Health Excellence Award - Peggy Thomas

General Merit - Yalnaz Wahab

Essential English Award - Madison Weir

Fashion Award - Ruby Wilkes

Mathematical Methods Award - Wassan Yusaf

Physics Award - Wassan Yusaf

General Merit - Wassan Yusaf

The MacLaren Award - A UniSQ Excellence Award - TBC

The MacLaren Award - A UniSQ Excellence Award - TBC

The MacLaren Award - A UniSQ Excellence Award - TBC

Fairholme College Year 12 Summa Cum Laude Award - TBC

Fairholme College Year 12 Summa Cum Laude Award - TBC

Fairholme College Year 12 Summa Cum Laude Award - TBC

Fairholme College Year 12 Summa Cum Laude Award - TBC