Spirit of Clayfield Awards
Overview
The Spirit of Clayfield Awards honour members of our College community - staff, students, Old Collegians, and community members - who exemplify our College values and inspire others to shine brightly. These awards are awarded annually during our Foundation Day Assembly.
This week, we are recognising our Spirit of Clayfield Award finalists and awardees in the Old Collegians and Community categories. These were announced at our Foundation Day Assembly on Monday 10 February.
Overall Winner (Old Collegians - Green Award)
Tara Ryan (Class of 2017)
Tara engaged in all aspects of College life as a student, excelling academically, athletically, and artistically, as well as demonstrating strong leadership skills.
Beyond school, she pursued a dual Bachelor of Chemical Engineering (Honours) and Economics at the University of Queensland. During that time, she actively participated in student organisations and sustainability initiatives.
While completing her Master of Environmental and Natural Resource Economics in Copenhagen, she co-authored a paper, led a Sustainability Careers event, and was nominated in 2023 as an Exceptional Young Woman in Resources for her work with the CSIRO.
Now based in London, Tara is a Sustainability Consultant at Min-viro, working to decarbonize metal supply chains while continuing her environmental advocacy. Her passion for positive change, and meaningfully reducing environmental impacts, is an inspiration.
Finalists (Old Collegians - Green Award)
Yashaswini Makkoth (Class of 2015)
Finalist - Service to her profession
While at Clayfield College, Yashaswini (Yasha) excelled academically and actively contributed to the community.
A recipient of many Academic Excellence Awards, Yasha topped both Physics and IT, leading her to firstly pursue a Bachelor of Science (Biomedical Science) at the University of Queensland, where she earned Dean’s Commendations each year. She later pursued a Doctor of Medicine at Griffith University before pivoting to a Master of IT in Computer Science at the Queensland University of Technology. It was here that she began mentoring her peers and became part of the Women in Technology association – supporting and championing women in STEM industries.
Beyond academia, Yasha spends her time in creative pursuits such as writing poetry and learning the guitar, and she presented a TEDx talk on Shakespeare’s relevance in 2023.
Yasha’s journey reflects fearless passion and achievement.
Ella Tomazic (Class of 2015)
Finalist - Service to her profession
Ella was a dedicated athlete and musician and served as Music Captain in her final year.
Beyond school, she joined the QUT Future Leaders Program and attended Cambridge University’s Summer Program. She later pursued a dual Bachelor of IT and Laws at the Queensland University of Technology, graduating with Distinction and Honours before completing her Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice.
Now with Boeing as their Subcontracts Specialist, Ella remains connected to Clayfield, generously giving her time as a mentor as part of our Year 12 Industry Network Events.
She is also a netball coach, tutor, and performs with the Queensland Lawchestra, supporting legal charities.
We look forward to following Ella’s bright future.
Overall Winner (Old Collegians - Gold Award)
Laraine Kelly nee Eaves (Class of 1963)
Laraine has been a champion of the College, a leader in her career and a dedicated member of the broader community for decades.
Her career as an educator began in the mid-1960s in Queensland, where she quickly rose to prominence as a leader in her profession. In 1972, Laraine made history by becoming the youngest woman to be appointed Senior Mistress at Wavell High School, an extraordinary achievement that marked the beginning of her remarkable journey in education.
After taking a break from teaching to add six children to her family, she returned to the education industry, implementing a revolutionary new program for English as a Second Language at Shaftson House. She managed this successful preparation program for several years and transitioned to delivering the ESL program for exchange students. Her next challenge came in the form of being a regular external marker for the Queensland Senior Certificate testing in English and Creative Writing, a responsibility she still enjoys today.
In addition to her career, Laraine has been deeply committed to volunteering and giving back to her community. Her leadership was particularly evident in her role as President of the St John’s Youth Outreach Program in 2007 and 2008, where she made a lasting impact. Laraine also served on the St Paul’s School Council for many years, chairing the Learning and Innovation Committee. She was also a member of the Somerville House Board of Management from 2010 to 2014, contributed to the Somerville House P&F Association and served as a Director of the Somerville House Foundation.
Despite her extensive work across numerous institutions, Laraine has always maintained a deep affection for her alma mater, Clayfield College. As a young graduate, she volunteered for the then Old Girls’ Association, organising events, fundraisers, and serving as Co-President. Over the past decade, she has played an integral role on the Old Collegians’ Association Executive Committee, guiding the historic transition from Old Girls to Old Collegians. She has also been instrumental in coordinating the annual High Tea for Emerald Club Members.
Laraine’s impact extends to the Clayfield College Foundation Board, where she has served as a Director since 2017. In this role, she has provided exceptional philanthropic advice and contributed to significant developments and refurbishments across the College.
A true master of fundraising, Laraine’s dynamic approach - especially with raffles - has become the stuff of legend, as she has an incredible ability to inspire participation and enthusiasm.
Throughout her life, Laraine has truly let her light shine before others in countless ways - through her dedication to her profession, her selfless service to the community, and her unwavering support for our College. Her generosity of spirit, infectious laugh, and her deep passion for seeing the College flourish have made an undeniable impact on its growth and success.
A truly deserving recipient of the Spirit of Clayfield Gold Award, Laraine’s remarkable contributions have touched so many lives, and we are incredibly grateful for all she has done for our College and beyond.
Finalists (Old Collegians - Gold Award)
Jacqueline Armitstead (Class of 1983)
Finalist - Service to her profession
Jacqueline has dedicated her career to shaping Queensland’s art landscape. With degrees in Fine Arts, Art History, and French, along with expertise in Project Management, she has held influential curatorial and project management roles across both public and private sectors.
Her career began as a curator with the Craft Council of Queensland (now Artisan) before moving into project management with Arts Queensland, the Queensland Artworks Alliance, and the Department of Public Works. Her expertise in integrating art with architecture led to senior procurement roles and consulting for Cox Rayner Architects.
Jacqueline continues to champion for the arts. She is a founder of ‘the churchie’, an emerging art program, a passionate advocate for public art and First Nations artists, and an award-winning curator. She was recently appointed as a Queensland Arts Showcase Program Peer Assessor.
Jacqueline continues to make an undeniable impact on the arts sector and shines her light brightly out in the community.
Annette Fifoot nee Wilson (Class of 1957)
Finalist - Service to Clayfield College
Annette, who is a proud 1957 graduate, has maintained a lifelong connection to the College. As a student, she played a key role in developing the first gymnasium, inspired by the Naughtiest Girl series by Enid Blyton.
After school, she obtained a Bachelor of Science at the University of Queensland and later returned to study Earth Sciences and Geology, completing a Masters degree. She was also a tutor and led field expeditions.
Annette’s commitment to her community is profound. In Gatton, she volunteered with the Ambulance Committee and SES, serving as Deputy Local Controller and Acting Local Controller during the 2011 Grantham floods. Now retired from fieldwork, she remains active as a Trainer, Radio Operator, and environmental advocate with Friends of Lake Apex.
A dedicated and passionate Old Collegian and proud member of the Emerald Club, Annette has served on the Old Collegians’ committee including time as Secretary. Annette, along with her dear friend from school, Deidre Brandon, has been a driving force behind the College’s Archives and Clayfield College Museum. Together, they help lead the much-loved Year 3 Archives Incursion and write the scripts for the Foundation Day presentations each year. Annette’s love of the College’s history, and attention to detail, is truly unmatched.
Today, we honour Annette as a true treasure of Clayfield College and an inspiring community leader. We celebrate and recognise the significant contribution she has made, and continues to make, to our College.
Dr Susan Grummitt (Class of 1986)
Finalist - Service to her profession
Susan is a remarkable and inspirational Old Collegian who has achieved exceptional success in both academia and her professional career.
As a student, she stood out for her academic excellence and her active involvement in extracurricular activities such as netball and debating. Susan’s leadership skills were evident through her role as Treasurer for both the Interact Club and the Red Cross Club, and in her final year, she served as a School Prefect, and significantly shared the title of DUX of the College.
After graduating from Clayfield College, Susan pursued a Bachelor of Engineering at the University of Queensland, where she achieved First Class Honours and High Distinctions in all her final year subjects. Her dedication to her studies earned her the honour of being the first female recipient of the UQ Medal for Engineering. She went on to complete a Doctor of Philosophy in Civil Engineering, further solidifying her expertise in the field.
Susan has worked at Cullen, Grummitt and Roe in the UK for almost 25 years which has seen her deliver projects throughout the world. Her specialisation in port and harbour developments has contributed to the success of major global projects, including the £1.5 billion London Gateway Port.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Susan has remained dedicated to giving back to her alma mater. She served as Treasurer for the Clayfield College Old Collegians’ Association and on the Foundation Committee for many years. In addition, she has been an inspiring mentor to students, encouraging them to pursue careers in STEM. Just last year, Susan delivered an impactful keynote speech at the Future Leaders Program STEM Breakfast, where she shared valuable advice with students, urging them to take opportunities, embrace individuality, and choose careers that bring them joy.
While Susan was unable to join us in person at our Foundation Day Assembly, we were delighted to welcome her parents, Mr Alan Grummitt and Mrs Wendy Grummitt to accept the award on her behalf. Susan's dedication, leadership, and passion continue to inspire future generations of engineers and students at Clayfield College.
Overall Winner (Community)
Raewyn (Rae) Morris
Rae embodies the true spirit of the Clayfield College community through her unwavering dedication, leadership, and enthusiasm. She has consistently volunteered her time and energy, working at every event bar and assisting with the setup of major events such as the College Fair and On The Green. Rae is a regular supporter of sports activities, attending breakfasts and cheering on students, and she is a steadfast presence at all music events. Her involvement extends to welcoming prospective families by supporting the Enrolments Team at tours and events, fostering a warm and inclusive environment.
As P&F President since 2023, Vice President from 2020 to 2022, and P&F Sport Support Group Chair in 2019, Rae has encouraged parent engagement and played a pivotal role in shifting the focus from fundraising to 'friend-raising,' strengthening community bonds. Her passion, leadership, and commitment to the College make her an outstanding overall winner for the Spirit of Clayfield – Community Award.
Finalist (Community)
Dr Vicky Abad
Vicky first joined the Clayfield College community in 2017 when her daughter commenced at the College in Year 5. With a distinguished background in music and currently serving as President of the Australian Music Therapy Association, Vicky has been a dedicated supporter of the College’s music events. As P&F Co-Vice President in 2024 and a Committee Member in 2023, Vicky has played a key role in fostering the College’s welcoming and inclusive community. Her contributions have enriched our school community in many ways, and we sincerely thank her for her dedication and significant impact on Clayfield College.
