THISTLELONIAN AWARDS 2023

Since 1997, Thistlelonians has presented awards to current Year 9 students; to date over $25,000 has been donated by ex-students and staff. These are awarded to Year 9 students who have demonstrated general excellence and contribution to the College. They are determined by the Year 9 Student Managers based on the recipients’ contribution to the college community.

Abigail Butterworth

I was very grateful to receive one of the three Thistlelonians Awards for 2023. It was an honor to be given this award, and I couldn’t be more proud to have my name among the other Thistlelonians' recipients. McKinnon has given me numerous opportunities to widen both my educational and social horizons and meet so many fantastic people. 

Through the school I have been given some amazing educational opportunities, such as being the first year level to complete both year 8 and year 9 at the new McKinnon East Campus, which was an enriching experience learning in state-of-the-art facilities.

Overall I am sincerely thankful for being recognised for the 2023 Thistlonians awards, and I am also very grateful for being given numerous opportunities to thrive in the McKinnon community thanks to the amazing experiences I have had at this school.

Amelie Ciddor 

I am extremely honored to have been awarded the Thistlelonian Award for 2023. 2023 was my first year at McKinnon, and I cannot believe how I was instantly accepted into the community. Not only did I somehow make friends right off the bat, all my teachers were so kind and accommodating to me, not knowing my way around the campus, and getting used to how McKinnon runs as a school. 

Once I got settled in, I tried my best to get involved in as many extra curricular activities as I could. I was, and still am, proud to be a student at McKinnon, so any chance that I had to represent the school, I took it. I am very proud that I did take the risk and put myself out there because I learnt so much after doing so. 

To anyone else who is new to McKinnon, or has never tried any extra activities, I definitely think you should give it a go! You never know, you might find a new passion for something you might never have even considered before. 

I am so looking forward to my future growth with McKinnon and continuing to get involved in school events and with the wider McKinnon community.

Joshua Laney

I am incredibly grateful to be awarded the Thistlelonians award last year in 2023. This award filled me with a great sense of pride and has inspired me to continue contributing to the McKinnon community.

2023 was such a big year for me, I started at McKinnon Secondary after moving from a small country school. Although this was a big change and a new experience for me, I decided to look at it as an opportunity to make new mates and learn in a different environment. Coming to McKinnon provided me with so many different and exciting opportunities. I am so grateful for the many teachers that went out of their way to help me settle in and enjoy school. I had so many wonderful and enriching experiences in 2023 like going on camp, outdoor ed hikes, visiting South Melbourne Market and enjoying learning through good interactions with my teachers. I am still incredibly grateful to have been awarded last year's Thistlelonian Award. 

Thank you so much to everyone who have supported me. 

PAST THISTLELONIAN AWARD WINNERS

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THISTLELONIAN DONATION DETAILS

The Thistlelonians scholarship award is presented to Year 9 students who have demonstrated general excellence and contributions to the college.

With gratitude, we thank you for considering a contribution, as they play a crucial role in supporting our initiatives. Your generosity strengthens our efforts and helps us shape the future of our school in meaningful ways.

Contributions to the fund may be made by visiting the Finance Office at school or electronically here.