INDIGENOUS students Amy McGuire and Tyson Wilson are looking forward to a bright future.
The pair was among Indigenous students from both Religious Institute and Brisbane Catholic Education colleges who were encouraged to “Let Your Light Shine”, at the annual Year 12 Indigenous Graduation Ceremony at St Stephen’s Cathedral on October 17.
The liturgy, celebrated by Archbishop Mark Coleridge of Brisbane, was an opportunity for Indigenous students from 44 Catholic secondary schools across the Brisbane Archdiocese to celebrate their educational achievements.
It also was a chance for younger indigenous students take inspiration to follow in their footsteps as they witnessed their older siblings and peers graduate.
Amy, from Chisholm Catholic College, Cornubia, said she was the first in her family to graduate from high school.
“It’s a very proud moment for not only me, but also for my family, my school and my people,” she said.
She said it was great to have some recognition of what many of the Year 12 students at the graduation ceremony had achieved.
For Amy there is a massive journey ahead as she pursues a career as a paediatrician.
“I’ve got another eight years of study to look forward to,” she said.
With high school behind him Tyson said his time at Marymount College, Burleigh Waters, had been a great experience and something he would never ever forget.
He said he had really enjoyed being part of the college community, but now he had graduated it was “like a great weight had been lifted from my shoulders”.
“I am moving on to the next stage of my life and a career in social work, in foster care, and a chance to give something back to the community,” he said.
BCE executive director Pam Betts said it was amazing to witness the cathedral filled with such pride and excitement. She said it was a great achievement and an important time of transition for the graduates.
“I extend sincere thanks to those who organised this wonderful celebration,” Ms Betts said.
