Congratulations to Year 11 student, Mietta Jenkins who received the Higgins Lionheart Award for exemplary service to her School community and positive leadership amongst her peers.

Nominated by her Head of Year, Ms Vasiliki Spanos, Mietta said receiving the Award was a “wonderful surprise and privilege. I received the Award from Dr Michelle Ananda-Rajah, MP, Federal Member for Higgins. Dr Ananda-Rajah provided me with valuable advice about career pathways and opportunities, as well as her own career path and how she came into the Australian Parliament.

“Speaking with Dr Ananda-Rajah provided me with great insight about how many career pathways are possible and how you can do anything if you put your mind to it and believe in yourself.”

While unsure what she would like to pursue as a career in the future, Mietta said along with the advice she received when meeting with Dr Ananda-Rajah, she has also received so much support from School.

“As I complete Year 11 after 14 years at St Catherine’s, starting in ELC, I have come to very much appreciate the enormous privilege of being at St Catherine’s. As a student, St Catherine’s provides us unprecedented opportunities to be your best self. Firstly, our teachers, their support, encouragement, and willingness to invest time and effort into each student, is truly phenomenal. They go above and beyond, always making themselves available to ensure we achieve our best. Their honest feedback and guidance have allowed me to challenge and push myself to try new things outside my comfort zone.”

“However, it is not only the teachers who have supported me in my academic journey but also my Cohort. In a Year level of 86 girls, many of whom I have known since ELC, it has created a united and close group, where everyone supports and inspires one another, bouncing ideas and creating solutions as a group, in ways we never would have thought of individually. Our Cohort always supports and celebrates each other’s achievements – from academics to sport, there is always a fun atmosphere that constantly flows through our Year level,” Mietta shares.

Nominating Mietta for the Lionheart Award in 2023, Ms Spanos describes Mietta as an extraordinary member of our School community who seeks to make a positive difference in the lives of the people in her life and the broader world beyond School.

“Academically, Mietta is a diligent and focused student who always strives for excellence in her studies and never misses an opportunity to learn and improve her insights, skills, and expertise. From a co-curricular perspective Mietta is extensively involved in many activities such as Art and Design Club, Book Club, the STC Walking Group, GSV Tennis, GSV Soccer, and GSV Cricket,” explains Ms Spanos.

“Mietta is a team player and thrives on participating with others – enjoying their company and learning from those around her. Indeed, Mietta values the gift of an education in its many iterations and as such sees education as a means to take the initiative and contribute to the society around her.”

We look forward to continuing to support Mietta in her St Catherine’s School journey and beyond.