Tyla Brown – St Joseph’s High School, Aberdeen

Tyla is a talented Touch Football player who achieved great success in 2022. She was a member of the Under 18's NSWCCC Touch Football team that contested the National Youth Championships. She was the leading try scorer at this tournament and received the Coach’s Award for her outstanding contributions to the team's performance, both on and off the field. Tyla possesses excellent speed, which she combines with her game sense to be an elite defender and try scorer.

Tyla has been selected for the NSWCCC team for the last two years and prior to this was a member of the NSWCCC and NSW All Schools Under 15's team. She has been a regular competitor and medalist at NSWCCC Athletics Carnivals. Tyla has represented her School with distinction in Athletics, Touch Football, Netball, Cross Country and League Tag and was a school House Captain this year.

Tyla is very well respected by both staff and students within her school community. She has been an exemplary role model, displaying commitment and dedication to all areas of her education. Throughout Tyla's successful sporting endeavors she has participated with a high degree of sportsmanship and has been both gracious and humble in the acknowledgment of her success.

 

Monty Dixon – All Saints College, Maitland

Monty is an extremely talented Triathlete who has enjoyed a very successful year in his chosen sport.

After the NSW All Schools Triathlon was washed out, Monty was selected on merit for the NSW All Schools team to compete in the School Sport Australia Championships. He performed brilliantly to win the event and earn the title of National Champion. He also teamed up with his brother to achieve a silver medal in the NSW team relay event. Monty’s talent was recognised with a selection for the Australian team to contest the World Junior Championships in Canada.

Monty has been a regular participant at NSWCCC and All Schools Carnivals, competing in Triathlon, Cross Country and Athletics. He is a respected member of his college community and enjoys the respect of both his peers and staff, due to his commitment to his studies and the humble way in which he acknowledges success. His work ethic and willingness to assist others is a hallmark of his and ensures that he is destined for future success.

Monty is a most worthy recipient of this 2022 NSWCCC Blue Award for Triathlon.

 

Liam Dixon – All Saints College, Maitland

Liam is an exceptionally talented Triathlete, who like his brother, enjoyed a very successful year. 

Liam was selected into the NSW All Schools Triathlon team to contest the School Sport Australia Championships. Due to his outstanding results in the sport, Liam was named Captain of the team and backed this up by finishing in second place in the individual event, achieving a silver medal with his team in the NSW All Schools team relay. Liam’s outstanding achievements saw him travel to Canada to represent Australia in the World Junior Triathlon Championships.

Liam has a long history of success in NSWCCC sport, having previously achieved outstanding results in both Athletics and Cross Country, making the NSW All Schools Cross Country team in 2018. He had several podium finishes in National and Oceania triathlon competitions in 2022 and was a member of the NSW Mixed Relay Triathlon Team that finished 1st at the Australian Junior Mixed Relay Championships in Werribee, Victoria. Liam was also selected to participate in the 2022 Triathlon Australia European Tour.

Liam is a respected member of his college community and is highly valued by his peers and staff. He is a worthy recipient of this Blue Award.

 

Gabriel Lopez – St Francis Xavier College, Hamilton

Gabriel is a highly motivated and talented athlete who has shown determination and success in Basketball over a number of years. 

After the selection trials in May, Gabriel was selected for the NSWCCC Open Boys Basketball team.

His individual performances against both the NSWCIS and the NSWCHS teams were outstanding, and he was one of the first students named for the NSW All Schools team. At the School Sport Australia Championships in 2022, Gabriel was an integral member of the winning NSW Team.

Gabriel is also a member of the NSW Under 20's squad and plays youth league for the Newcastle Falcons.

At his College, Gabriel is a highly respected member of the community, involving himself in all facets of school life. His dedication and diligence to sport flows through to all activities in which Gabriel is engaged.

Congratulations Gabriel. A worthy recipient of a Blue Award.

 

Hope White – All Saints College, Maitland

Hope is an extremely talented netball player who has enjoyed great success. 

In 2022, Hope was selected for the NSWCCC Open Netball team as well as the NSWCCC Open Basketball team. After an outstanding NSW All Schools Netball Championships. Hope was then selected for the NSW All School Open Netball team. In addition, Hope was chosen to represent NSW Primary Schools for Netball when she was in Year 6.   

In 2022, Hope was selected for the NSW Under 17’s Netball team that won the Australian Championships. Hope was then selected after the national championships in the Australian Under 17’s squad. This is an outstanding achievement of which Hope should be very proud.

Hope spends much of her time representing the school in a number of sports, particularly in basketball, netball and athletics. Hope is a leader within school regarding her chosen sports of netball and basketball, at which she excels. She has been an outstanding participant in school sport over the past 4 years. To receive a ‘Blue’ at the age of 16, in Year 10 is outstanding.

Hope is a dedicated and talented netballer.  She applies herself diligently to her netball and is always willing to share her knowledge of the game with her peers.  Hope has a positive attitude towards her studies and her abilities and skills as a talented netballer. 

Hope is a most worthy recipient of the 2022 NSWCCC Blue Award for Netball.

 

Emily Foy – St Francis Xavier College, Hamilton

Emily is a highly motivated and talented individual who has displayed determination and success in basketball over a number of years. 

After the selection trials in May, Emily was selected for the NSWCCC Open Girls Basketball team.

Her individual performances against both the NSWCIS and the NSWCHS teams were outstanding, and she was one of the first students named for the NSW All Schools team. At the School Sport Australia Championships in 2022, Emily was an integral member of the winning NSW Team. 

Emily was also a member of the NSW All Schools Basketball Team in 2021 and has received a coveted scholarship to attend Long Beach State University in California. Emily’s representative honours include selection for NSW teams over the past 3 years and as a member of the Australian ‘Gems’ squad.

At her College, Emily is a highly valued member of the community, involving herself in all facets of school life. 

Emily’s talent was recognized last year when she was awarded a NSWCCC 'Blue'. As she continued to excel in 2022, she received a Bar Award which is achieved when a student has previously been awarded a ‘Blue’ and has continued to excel in their sport.

 

The guest speaker for the event, Sarah Walsh, a Paralympian and NSWCCC Alumni, inspired the students to follow their dreams as she has. After all, it was not so long ago since she was sitting at a Blue Award Ceremony as a student with dreams.

 

The Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle is extremely proud of these six outstanding athletes. It is amazing that many Maitland-Newcastle students who have worn NSWCCC colours are now competing successfully at the highest levels in Australian sport. The Blue Award evening is a time to reflect on our athletes' fine achievements and acknowledge the great structures we have in place for all our students. Every child who participates in sport no matter the level should be celebrated for their participation.

Pope Francis says, “sport is a great opportunity to learn to give the best of yourself, with sacrifice and commitment but above all, not alone”. Thank you to our Sport Coordinators, Teachers and parents who work tirelessly to support students in their sports.

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