Celebrating excellence: Congratulations to our Archbishop’s Award recipient, Antonia Farhat

The Archbishop of Sydney Awards for Student Excellence is an annual recognition by the Archbishop of Sydney, of the outstanding young women and men in our Catholic schools. Each year, the awards acknowledge the students’ commitment to their faith, academic life, community and social justice. It is an important way of highlighting the very positive contribution that young people make to their school and local community.

Specifically, these awards recognise those young people who give witness to their Christian values and who actively contribute to the faith life of their school. Recipients of the award are practising Catholics who show responsible participation in the life, mission and work of the Catholic faith community. It is also an affirmation of the support that families offer their children, and public acclaim for the commitment and dedication of their teachers.

On Tuesday 8 September Antonia Farhat was presented with the Archbishop of Sydney Award for Excellence. Antonia was chosen for this distinguished award as a young woman of great faith, generosity and humility. She is a model of living a life of genuine service to others. Antonia is an exemplary role model for her peers. Her integrity as a student leader has enabled her to give witness to service, empowering other students to take responsibility and use their talents to serve the community. Antonia lives an authentic Catholic life and is truly a woman who will make a difference in the world. She is known for her consistency and reliability in being witness to the faith at the College and truly lives the College motto: ‘La Verite – The Truth.’

Congratulations to Antonia on this wonderful achievement and many thanks to Olivia Azzi for reading the citation during the ceremony at St Mary’s Cathedral.

Citation: Antonia is a practising Catholic who worships regularly at St Joseph’s Parish, Croydon, and shows responsible participation in the life, mission and work of her parish. She serves faithfully as an altar server, participates in Youth Group, assists as a catechist, supports St Vincent de Paul, and attends Catholic youth camps that deepen her spiritual formation and commitment to service.

Within Domremy College, Antonia gives strong witness to Christian values and contributes actively to the Catholic faith life of the school. She participates in Bible Study, Rosary, chapel opportunities and homeroom prayer, and leads or assists in school‑based faith initiatives with maturity and reverence. Her leadership extends to social justice activities, including Project Compassion fundraising.

Her recent pilgrimage to France, Lourdes and Rome profoundly strengthened her faith, inspiring deeper reflection, gratitude and commitment to living the Gospel. Retreats such as 10:10 and St Charbel’s have further shaped her understanding of servant leadership.

Antonia’s dedication to prayer, service and community makes her a worthy nominee who embodies the mission of both Parish and College.

Mrs Caroline Morizzi, Religious Education Coordinator