Academic Dinner Celebrates Excellence

John XXIII College celebrated its Semester 1 Academic Dinner, an evening that brought the community together to recognise academic achievement in 2025, growth, and the shared commitment to learning that defines College life. From a cohort of 315 students, 59 students achieved a Distinction average, while 7 students earned a High Distinction average, highlighting the strong academic performance across the College.

The evening opened with the presentation of Distinction Awards, recognising students who achieved a Distinction average across the semester. Recipients were: Maggie Anderson, Eleanor Austin, Scarlett Blamey, Ned Brown, Jasmyn Bull, Anna Burt, Matthew Callaghan, Jackson Cannell, Lily Coombe, Mary Corcoran, Zoe Crabbe, Megan Davey, Amelia Dowe, Halle Doyle, Scarlett Edyvean, Benjamin Fairbrother, Lucy Finlayson, Laura Flack, Jemima Hanning, Jessica Hayhoe, Charlotte Heinze, James Hillsdon, Athena Hinton, Aimee Hosegood, Mikaela Hunter, Lucy James, Rhys Jones, Jed Katekar, Max Keith, Anna Kellaway, Eva Kenwood, Matthew Kernohan, Amelia Larcombe, Olivia Larcombe, Emi Lennon, Jack Levinson, Jack Lincoln, Hannah Marchant-Williams, Lola McArdle, Freya McKinley-Rowe, Oliver Moore, Sophie Osmond, Rosie Oxley, Sofia Paris, Sophie Paton, Zoe Paul, Laura Penning, James Ritchie, Lachlan Simmonds, Rongting (Carl) Sun, Zara Sweetman, Jemima Thibault, Cam Tregaskis, Oscar Veitch, Ruby Voyce, Elise Willett and Morgan Wixted, reflecting the depth of academic strength across the College.

High Achievement Awards were presented to students who excelled in individual subjects, with Amelia Larcombe and Jane Gallichan recognised for outstanding performance in LAWS1202: Lawyers, Justice & Ethics, and Louis Ross acknowledged for exceptional results in ENGN1217: Introduction to Mechanics and MATH1014: Mathematics & Applications 2.

The Academic Mentors then presented the Accie Awards, celebrating students who consistently demonstrated strong academic effort and engagement throughout the semester. This year’s recipients were Katie Greenwood, Aimee Hosegood, Sachin Kellett, Dan Emmery, Lucy Burslem, Max Morphy, Skye Sawyer and Jose Fahey.

Special awards highlighted the spirit behind the results. Athena Hinton was recognised with the Biggest Nerd Award for her consistent dedication to academic programs and Wednesday night study sessions, while Scarlett Edyvean received the HAM Award in recognition of her contribution to the academic culture of the College.

The High Distinction Awards recognised the highest level of academic performance, awarded to Steph Buys, Will Clinton, Matilda Crocker, Lola Debell, Harriet Hughes, Joshua Riddle and Louis Ross. These students exemplify academic excellence and discipline at the very highest level.

Equally significant were the Outstanding Academic Growth Awards, celebrating students who demonstrated remarkable improvement and commitment to their studies over the semester. These were awarded to Will Clinton, Ellie Austin, Amelia Larcombe, Matilda Crocker, Scarlett Blamey, Anna Kellaway and Rosie Oxley.

The evening also recognised the highest-performing students across each university represented at the College. Lola Debell received the highest WAM for ACU, Will Clinton for UC, and Louis Ross for ANU, highlighting the strength of John XXIII College students across multiple institutions.

A highlight of the night was the announcement of the Corridor Cup, celebrating the strongest academic corridor within the College. In a closely contested result, B2 claimed first place with an average WAM of 67.29, followed by B3 (66.90), A3 (66.67), A2 (66.52), A1 (65.54), and B1 (61.96).

More than a celebration of grades, the Academic Dinner reflected the values that define John XXIII College, a commitment to growth, a willingness to support others, and a shared pride in achievement. Behind every result is a network of peers, mentors, and friends who contribute to an environment where students are encouraged to aim higher and succeed together. These achievements set a strong foundation for the year ahead and reaffirm the College’s culture of academic excellence.