Tears and cheers as MacKillop Catholic College's first senior students graduate

The final day of Grade 12 has marked a milestone occasion for one Far North school who bid farewell to its inaugural seniors class at a special ceremony this week.

MacKillop Catholic College outgoing school captains Tiara Thao and Stanley Sunny are looking forward to continuing their studies at university, in Brisbane and the Far North respectively. Photo: Catherine Duffy.

Grade 12 students across the state have celebrated their last day of school with graduation ceremonies across the region.

The milestone day was made extra special for students from MacKillop Catholic College at Mount Peter, who farewelled its first cohort of senior students.

All 71 graduates gathered with their families and friends to mark the historic moment.

Inaugural school captains Tiara Thao and Stanley Sunny said they were both excited and sad to celebrate the end of their school career, but had high hopes for the future.

“I feel like most of us are a little bit scared inside because we don’t know what’s going to happen next, but we will see what the future holds and God will always be with us,” Stanley said.

MacKillop Catholic College celebrated a major milestone with the graduation of its first Year 12 cohort. All 71 graduates gathered with their families and friends to mark the historic moment for the College and the wider community. Photo: MacKillop Catholic College.

For Miss Thao, who studied at MacKillop since the school was founded in 2016, it was an emotional moment giving her captaincy speech in front of her peers.

“When I was on stage seeing every everyone in the school, I was like wow, we’re the first to finish, and obviously leaving a great legacy here that I hope will continue.”

Miss Thao will commence a double degree at Griffith University in Brisbane next year, majoring in Business and Psychology, while Mr Sunny aims to pursue a Bachelor of dentistry or physiotherapy at James Cook University.

MacKillop Catholic College graduates Ella Weston, Sakura Smith and Leah O'Neill celebrated the end of their school journey by signing each other's shirts and sashes. Photo: Catherine Duffy.

Graduates and childhood friends Brandon Carreno and Preston Friend encouraged the next generation to work hard and make every moment count.

“Keep your head down and do your work. It’s all worth it in the end. The road leads to somewhere good and make sure you have a good group of mates around you,” Brandon said.

“When the road gets tough, keep on sticking at it because by the end of it, you blink and you’re already here. Live with no regrets,” Preston said.

St Monica's College Year 12 students were honoured at a special assembly on their final day of school on Friday, November 21. Photo: Supplied.

At their farewell assembly, St Monica's College Year 12 graduates sang the College Song for the final time and passed their ties in accordance with the school's tradition. Photo: Supplied.

College principal Janelle Newman said she was proud of every student and that the graduates had set a high standard, not only in academia, but by getting involved in the local community.

“They really have been the pioneers of our college, they have stepped up every year as leaders and they’ve had a big role to play, so there’s lots and lots to celebrate for them today,” Ms Newman said.

Year 12 student Copper Meares receiving a certificate of graduation at a St Augustine's College ceremony. Photo: Supplied.

“They embody the spirit of Saint Mary McKillop and their commitment to hard work compassion, making a difference for others. I look forward to seeing the remarkable contributions that they make in the years ahead.”

St Monica's College Cairns students farewelled their Year 12 graduates with a guard of honour to mark the end of their school life. Photo: Supplied.

Originally published as Tears and cheers as MacKillop Catholic College's first senior students graduate