THISTLELONIAN AWARDS 2025

Since 1997, Thistlelonians has presented awards to current Year 9 students; to date over $26,000 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.

2025 THISTLELONIAN AWARD WINNERS

The 2025 Thistlelonian Award winners were announced at our annual Presentation Night in October 2025. Congratulations to Arnav, Martin and Sacha!

Each recipient has shared their reflections on what receiving the award means to them.

ARNAV CHITNIS 

I feel incredibly honoured to be a recipient of the Thistelonians Scholarship and to have been part of the Debate Mentor Project this year. It’s been a valuable experience where I’ve been able to take on new challenges, develop my skills, and contribute to a strong and supportive debating culture.

I’m really grateful to the Thistelonians, as well as Ms Zappner and Ms Goldsworthy, for their guidance and continued support throughout this journey.

I’m looking forward to building on this and making the most of the opportunities ahead.

MARTIN CURNOW 

Being a recipient of the Thistlelonian Award for 2025 has given me a sense of pride like nothing before. I feel very lucky to have been given this opportunity and honoured to have been considered. 

All the support and guidance from peers and teachers has allowed me to push myself to be more confident and strive to achieve something I never thought possible. The experience has been truly remarkable and will always be something I look back on with very fond memories. I hope the next recipients will feel the same accomplishment that I felt. 

SACHA ROSE

I feel extremely privileged to receive the Thistlelonian Award from McKinnon Secondary College in 2025. Receiving this award holds great significance because it demonstrates the value that the school holds in initiative, teamwork, and making an impact in the community.

I had the great pleasure of working with Arnav on a mentoring program that involved creating a roadmap for tutoring junior debate classes. Our purpose was to assist in helping younger students gain confidence, public speaking skills, and critical thinking skills through this program. It was extremely gratifying to see the response in the senior debaters, backing the program with high hopes.

Giving back to the community has become increasingly important throughout my high school experience and I feel very appreciative towards my teachers and friends for all the help and guidance they have provided me during my experience at McKinnon Secondary College. 

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.