Schools
28 October, 2025
Toogoolawah triumph night
TOOGOOLAWAH State High School’s 38th Annual Awards Night proved an unforgettable celebration of student triumph on October 23, as sporting champions, all-round achievers, and young leaders whose efforts left a mark on their community were recognised for their efforts.
Outstanding athletes in swimming, athletics, cross-country, volleyball, netball, and rugby league received recognition for their skill, determination, and exemplary spirit.
Among the standouts was Lorelei Bacchi, whose unwavering commitment to equestrian sports earned her top honours.
On the volleyball courts, Brooklyn Hancock drew praise as the best and fairest, while Elizabeth Thallon and Mason Bowles set benchmarks in netball and rugby league, respectively.
Brax Bechly and Grace Jardine took home the Val Krisanski Memorial Sportsman and Sportswoman of the Year awards, earning distinction for their versatility in land and water sports, demonstrating both broad talent and a relentless work ethic.
The Shepherdson and Boyd Agriculture Award was presented to Lorelai Bacchi for her outstanding commitment in the field of agriculture through hands-on experience and leadership.
The ADF Future Innovators honour went to Angelika Brown and Ashlee Pratt, each praised for exceptional creativity and dedication within STEM fields.
The ADF Long Tan Leadership Awards went to Esta Kakakios and Hunter Masters-Woods for their exceptional leadership and teamwork within the school and the community.
School captain and community role-model Hunter Masters-Woods received numerous other accolades, including the QATSIF Young Indigenous Leader Award, and the Ampol Best All-Rounder Award for embodying leadership, compassion, and service in every corner of school life.
Somerset Regional Council All Rounder Award, bestowed upon Noah Martignago, while Charlize Burnett took home the Deb Frecklington Achievement Award, and Lane Henderson was awarded the Shayne Neumann Student Council Service Award.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year went to Larni Hudson for cultural engagement and positive role modelling.
Other recognitions included the Peter Coleman Memorial Trust Award (Charlie Humphreys), the Outstanding Vocational Education Student Award (Lewis Semple), the Performing Arts Award (Elizabeth Thallon) and Val Wolff Memorial Instrumental Music Award (Ashlee Pratt).
A stirring speech from guest speaker and alumna Brianna Kumar also brought heart and perspective to the proceedings.
Brianna told students, “Most people don’t listen to understand. They listen to respond. If you can become someone who really listens, you’ll stand out in every single room you walk into.
“You will mess up. You will get things wrong. You will hurt people, and people will hurt you too. In those moments, kindness will be your anchor,” she said.
Brianna also urged them not to confuse compassion with weakness.
“Don’t you dare think that your compassion means a lack of courage. Showing empathy doesn’t mean you’re weak. It means you’re strong enough to feel emotions intensely and still show up — that courage is a gift.”
