Five students from Townsville Catholic Education have been honoured with the 2025 Premier’s QCE Student Award, a prestigious statewide recognition celebrating exceptional academic achievement.

The award acknowledges students who exemplify the values of the Queensland Certificate of Education and demonstrate a commitment to excellence both inside and beyond the classroom.

Sari Lawback, Mia Parsons and Searith Bajwa from Ryan Catholic College, Townsville, along with Grace Thomson and Couper Giuliano from Gilroy Santa Maria College, Ingham, each received a Subject Achievement Commendation, placing them among the highest?achieving students in Queensland across multiple General subjects.

Executive Director Jacqui Francis praised the students for their dedication and the example they set for their peers. “These students represent the very best of what young Queenslanders can achieve. Their determination, resilience, and passion for learning are truly inspiring, and we are incredibly proud to see them recognised at a state level.”

Award recipient Couper Giuliano said the recognition felt like a milestone moment. “I’m proud to be accepting this award and proud to be recognised for my achievements.”

Fellow recipient Searith Bajwa from Ryan Catholic College shared her approach to success. “Hard work and having a balance were really important. People say you have to study all the time, but having balance helped motivate me more.”

All recipients are recognised for their outstanding merit and academic excellence, reflecting the exceptional standards they have achieved throughout their senior studies.