More than 200 First Nations Year 12 graduates have been honoured at a special ceremony in Brisbane.
The event at St Stephen’s Cathedral in the city acknowledged the 210 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students who are graduating this year from the Queensland’s 40 Catholic secondary schools, including 29 Brisbane Catholic Education (BCE) schools.
BCE Senior Manager of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education Dr Mayrah Dreise said this year marked one of the highest numbers of First Nations students graduating from BCE schools.
“My hopes and wishes are that our First Nations graduates consider pathways into education, TAFE, or university, or secure a job within the workforce,” Dr Dreise, a Gamilaraay and Yuwaalaraay woman, said.
“It is extremely important that First Nations students are part of the Australian labour force and contribute to society, providing much needed advice and understanding of our cultures, heritages, and identities.
“It would be fantastic if some of our students would consider working within Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander education or with one of our local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations, carrying the baton for future generations.”
BCE Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education Officer Engagement Education Officer Kevin Eastment said the graduation liturgy was a chance to celebrate the achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.
“For some First Nations students, they may be the first graduating Year 12 in their family,” Mr Eastment, a Wagaduagum man, said.
“The increasing number of students reaching and completing Year 12 is both significant and inspiring.”
Year 12 San Sisto College Carina student Emily Stork said the graduation was especially important to her family.
“My family believes this is an important rite of passage for me,” Ms Stork said.
“Looking to the future, I am planning on completing a Bachelor of Nursing at The Australian Catholic University.
“It is important for me to be able to help people when I leave school.”
