On Monday the 12th of February, three students from St Andrews College were awarded a prestigious NSW Combined Catholic Colleges Blue Award for their outstanding achievements in the sporting arena. A NSWCCC Blue signifies achievement in sport at the highest school pathway level and is limited to two students per sport, per year. This year the NSWCCC Blues were held at St Paul’s Catholic College, Manly.
Our first recipient was Jemma France from Year 11 who received her Blue for Diving. Her top achievement was placing 5th in both the 1 metre and 3 metre springboard events at last year’s Pacific School Games in Adelaide. The second recipient was Amy France Year 12, 2017 who received her Blue for being a diving official. Amy went to the Pacific School Games as a judge and was the only student official selected from NSW. The final recipient was Thomas Green from Year 11 who received his Blue for Softball officiating. Thomas also went to the Pacific School Games last year and was an outstanding umpire.
It was a privilege to be there on the night to witness the students receiving their award and to share in the stories of dedication and sacrifice they went through to succeed in their sports. We would like to acknowledge not only the students but also their proud parents who support and continue to help their children achieve their dreams.
Mrs Weaver, NSWCCC Diving Convenor
Miss Pett, NSWCCC Basketball Convenor
Below are the Citations for each student:
Jemma France - Blue Award 2017 – Diving
Jemma is a very hardworking and persistent athlete who has improved each year through the school pathways competitions and has been rewarded with her second New South Wales Selection to the Pacific School Games.
During the New South Wales Combined Catholic Colleges Championships, Jemma placed first in the 16 Years Springboard.
Jemma continued her success at the New South Wales All Schools Championships where she was placed third in the 16 Years Springboard.
Jemma was selected to compete for the New South Wales Team at the Pacific Schools Games. She competed in the springboard, platform and synchronised diving events, gaining a fifth place finish in both the one metre and three metre springboard events.
Congratulations Jemma.
Amy France - Blue Award 2017 – Diving Official
Amy is a dedicated athlete and talented official who has represented New South Wales Combined Catholic Colleges and New South Wales All Schools at the Pacific School Games in Adelaide.
During the New South Wales Combined Catholic Colleges Championships, Amy placed second in the 17 Years Springboard and also officiated.
At the New South Wales All Schools Championships, Amy placed fourth on Platform and was also an official judge.
She is highly skilled and a tough competitor whilst always display8ing a positive attitude.
Amy was selected as an official Judge as part of the New South Wales Team that went to the Pacific School Games in Adelaide.
Congratulations on your contribution both as a competitor and as a judge.
Thomas Green - Blue Award 2017 – Softball
Beginning when he was in Year 9, Thomas has been involved in umpiring at New South Wales Combined Catholic Colleges and New South Wales All Schools Softball selections for the last two years. Such were his skills and potential, that he has been invited to officiate at the interstate level.
In May 2016, at the School Sport Australia Championships in Melbourne, and again last December at the Pacific School Games in Adelaide, Thomas controlled preliminary games and finals with composure and control, often dealing with players much older than himself. Whether from behind the plate or on the bases, he is able to establish and maintain respect from players and officials alike.
He is very willing to listen to, and learn from, the advice of those more experienced around him. His mentors speak of his achievements in nothing short of the most glowing of terms, and it is very pleasing to note that they see Thomas as having a big future in this crucially important aspect of the game.
Congratulations Thomas, on your achievements as a softball umpire.