Celebrating the Class of 2026

SEDA College NT proudly celebrated its Class of 2026 at the Year 12 Graduation on Thursday 17 September at the Darwin Turf Club. The evening brought together students, families, staff and members of the College community to recognise an important milestone and celebrate the achievements, personal growth and resilience of this year’s graduating cohort.

The celebration began with a Welcome to Country delivered by graduating students Anjel Noble-Webster and Allirra Romney. Year 12 student leaders Alexandra Sliwinski, Koby Smith and Aaron McWilliams then reflected on the cohort’s journey through Years 10, 11 and 12, including camps, sporting events, community activities, the Timor-Leste cultural immersion trip and the National College Cup in Adelaide.

Throughout the evening, speakers reflected on the strong connections that shaped the students’ time at SEDA College NT. They acknowledged the encouragement of families, the commitment of staff and the friendships formed through shared learning, challenges and experiences. College values of effort, integrity, independence and connection were recognised as central to the growth of the graduating students.

Each graduate was presented with a Year 12 certificate while their individual journey and future aspirations were shared. The reflections highlighted a wide range of achievements, including improved confidence and engagement in learning, sporting representation, leadership, volunteering, scholarships, school-based apprenticeships and the successful completion of vocational qualifications. Graduates are now preparing to pursue pathways including university, apprenticeships, employment, travel, the Australian Defence Force, emergency services and other areas of further training.

Five students received special awards recognising their contributions and accomplishments:

Outstanding Student of the Year: Alexandra Sliwinski, recognised for consistently demonstrating the College’s values, building respectful connections, taking responsibility for her learning and continuing to give her best through challenges and setbacks.

Leadership Award: Aaron McWilliams, recognised for positively influencing his peers, responding constructively to feedback and consistently treating others with respect.

Values Award: Ruby Preston, recognised for her commitment to completing tasks to a high standard, supporting classmates and bringing a positive attitude to the program.

Volunteer Award: Noah Symons, recognised for his outstanding contribution to Football NT and his willingness to build new skills and go above and beyond.

Workplace Award: Ted Hassett, recognised for the consistency, dedication and hard work demonstrated throughout his school-based apprenticeship.

The graduation also celebrated the many different ways students had grown throughout their senior schooling. For some, simply reaching Year 12 was an achievement they had once thought may not be possible. Others secured apprenticeships or employment, represented their sport at a high level, developed the confidence to speak publicly, strengthened their engagement with education or discovered a clearer direction for life beyond school.

The evening concluded with photographs, music and an opportunity for graduates, families and staff to celebrate together. SEDA College NT congratulates every member of the Class of 2026 and thanks the families, teachers, support staff, workplaces, schools and sporting partners who contributed to their journeys.

Congratulations to the Class of 2026. We are incredibly proud of how far you have come and wish you every success for the future.