At our Valedictory Dinner on Wednesday 29 October 2025, we acknowledged students who made significant contributions to the Sancta community throughout the year.
Congratulations to the following award winners:
Nita Macrae Award
Awarded to Bridget Power (Fresher 2022)
The Nita Macrae Award is presented in memory of Mother Juanita Macrae RSCJ, Principal of Sancta Sophia College from 1943 to 1957. The 2025 Nita Macrae Award recipient is Bridget Power.
Bridget has shown exceptional talent, dedication, kindness, and commitment to our community over several years at the College. Her integrity is absolute, her generosity is profound, and she connects with all people with warmth and grace.
Bridget Power (FR’2022) & Principal Fiona Hastings
Sheila Hurley Cultural Award
Awarded to Claudia Bowditch (Fresher 2023)
The Sheila Hurley Cultural Award was made possible by the family of the late Sheila Hurley, an alumna (1932-1935) and ardent supporter of Sancta Sophia College. The Trophy is awarded annually to a student for contribution to the cultural life of the College, covering such areas as music appreciation, art and drama. The 2025 Sheila Hurley Cultural Award recipient is Claudia Bowditch.
This year, Claudia has inspired excellence and led with enthusiasm, good humour and intelligence. She has also led Sancta to its first Palladian Victory in over 20 years!
Claudia Bowditch (FR’2023) & Chair of Council Beth Boustead (FR’2010)
Jean Daly Oration Award
Awarded to Genevieve Kelly (Fresher 2023)
The Jean Daly Oration Award was first awarded in 1987 and was donated by the St Joan’s Alliance, a Catholic women’s organisation, in memory of Jean Daly, a former President of the Alliance. It is awarded to a student for excellence in Public Speaking. The 2025 Jean Daly Oration Award recipient is Genevieve Kelly.
Genevieve is a remarkable public speaker. Her style is unique and her talent abundant. Her oratory range is vast – from poignant to outraged to immensely funny, all in the space of seconds. Her speeches come from the heart and are what they are because of her courage and her creativity.
As a Fresher Representative in 2023, and as a Senior Student this year, she has also shown outstanding dedication and leadership.
Genevieve Kelly (FR’2023) & Principal Fiona Hastings
Sportswoman of the Year Award
Awarded to Lily Betland (Fresher 2024)
The Trophy is awarded annually to a female student for contribution to the sporting achievements of the College, by participating in sports and/or supporting Sancta athletes through other involvement. The 2025 Sportswoman of the Year Award recipient is Lily Betland.
Lily has given much to Sancta Sport, both as a competitor and as a coordinator. She is known to be a team player – always supportive and always encouraging others to do their best. Her commitment to Sancta is enormous, and she manages to balance her sporting life with high academic achievement, and multiple other commitments and interests. This year, she led Sancta to winning the Liane Tooth Cup, the University’s Intramural Women’s Sports competition.
Lily Betland (FR’2024) & Principal Fiona Hastings
Sportsman of the Year Award
Awarded to Sam-Reith Wadhwa (PG 2024)
The Trophy is awarded annually to a male student for contribution to the sporting achievements of the College, by participating in sports and/or supporting Sancta athletes through other involvement. The 2025 Sportsman of the Year Award recipient is Sam-Reith Wadhwa.
As a leader, as an athlete and as a team player, Sam has made Sancta Sport a highlight of the postgrad year. His efforts have truly enriched our college community.
Sam-Reith Wadhwa (PG 2024) & Principal Fiona Hastings
Principal's Award
Awarded to Yueting Zhan (PG 2022)
The Principal’s Award is at the discretion of the Principal, with no fixed criteria. A common thread is that all recipients have made a positive, significant contribution to the experience of other students. The 2025 Principal’s Award recipient is Yueting Zhan.
Yueting’s impact on the community of Sancta is profound. She never fails to greet people warmly and offers everyone a depth of genuine interest that is unmatched. Over the years, she has helped many students, especially international students, feel welcome at Sancta and has helped people feel like they belong. Inclusion is much more than just a value to her; it is a daily practice.
Yueting Zhan (PG 2022) & Principal Fiona Hastings
Yvonne Swift Individual Achievement Award
Awarded to Siena Fagan (Fresher 2023)
This Award is for outstanding individual achievement, either within the College or in the wider community. The 2025 Yvonne Swift Individual Achievement Award recipient is Siena Fagan.
Siena has stood out as courageous, resilient, and intelligent. She is honest in all that she does and is not afraid to offer an unpopular opinion or challenge others when needed. She is insightful and determined in her cause.
In her years at Sancta, she has stood out for her oratory and debating prowess, her care and her courage as an RA, and as a magnificent ambassador for Sancta.
This year, she has changed the way Sancta does formal dinners and shown that it is never too early to get started on your career.
Siena Fagan (FR’2023) & Principal Fiona Hastings
