Marist values celebrated
The 2021 Marcellin Medallion Dinner was held at the College on Sunday 6 June, the Feast Day of Saint Marcellin Champagnat, the Founder of the Marists.
Always a much-anticipated event, ten Aquinians – one member of each House, chosen by the House Coordinator and affirmed by the Rector – are announced during the Dinner as recipients of the ‘Marcellin Medallion’.
Student President and past Medallion winner, Ruby Yates, in her introduction to the liturgy in the Chapel before the Dinner, reminded the College community that the evening was about honouring people who help to create the special culture of Aquinas by the way they live out the personal qualities espoused by Saint Marcellin.
This year’s awardees were:
- Abbey Latta (Walpeup VIC, 1st year)
- Alice Hubert (Port Pirie SA, 1st year)
- Lily Glover (Yeelanna SA, 1st year)
- Austen Kenny (Mount Gambier SA, 3rd year)
- Tiarna Inglis (Loxton SA, 1st year)
- Nathan Pinchbeck (Mildura VIC, 3rd year)
- Sophie Wallis (Millicent SA, 2nd year)
- Bailey Hamilton (Mildura SA, 3rd year)
- Noah Waters (Port Pirie SA, 2nd year)
- Jesse Martin (Penola SA, 1st year)
The Rector, Brother Michael, in his address explained the symbolism of the lapel pin which each recipient was given along with their medallion. The pin depicts three small flowers – violets – which represent the Marist values of simplicity, humility and modesty.
‘These three violets recall that Marcellin wanted Marists to strive to be people who are genuine and grounded, and who do good quietly and sensitively,’ said Brother Michael.
Special guests for the evening were the Marist Brothers from Sacred Heart College and Cara McLaughlin, the Regional Assistant for Marist Youth Ministry in SA. They were joined on the High Table by past Medallion winners (a number of whom currently occupy leadership positions at Aquinas) and members of staff with their families.