Wednesday, 18 February 2026

 Lauren KATHAGE (Yan Yean) (09:58): It was a real privilege to be at the Hazel Glen College awards ceremony and see so many outstanding young people recognised, from the VET achievement awards to the academic excellence awards and of course our college dux Samuel Matthews. The talent on display was impressive. I had the honour of presenting the Yan Yean award to Olivia Sorensen, and it was special to see her being recognised by the school community for her compassion and leadership. Watching the 2026 college captains Peyton Condon and Sarah Yelland receive their badges and put on their special jumpers was another highlight, and the pride was not just in us but in their families as well – a special moment for them. Afterwards I spent time speaking with students and their families, and I was really struck by the different paths that each student was going to take according to their interests. Creative industries, trade, sport – each had a sense of purpose. Hazel Glen College and its principal Anthony Stockwell should be incredibly proud. Well done to Sophie Nemer, Kade Kovacevic, Lachlan Rowbotham, Jaxon Kueffer, Nova Smallwood, Grace Scott, Olivia Morales, Adam Janakievski, Oliver Berry, Nathan Wayne, Jordan Herney, Raghav Vasdev, Samuel Matthews, Gurteg Singh, Tania Joshy, Ziggy Cattapan, Maria Peter, Mitchell Evans, Onethra Kiridena, Joe Furber, Madison Cameron, Joanne Dib, Hugh Stonehan, Kai Egan and Lachlan Rumley.