Xavier College is proud to celebrate the outstanding achievements of Benjamin Walkuski and Ebony Lewis, who were both awarded the Governor of South Australia Commendation – Excellence Award last week. This prestigious recognition was awarded to only 33 students across the state, making the fact that two recipients are from Xavier College an incredible achievement.

Benjamin Walkuski, also Dux of the College, achieving an impressive ATAR of 99.15 and recipient of the Handley Medal was recognised for being a dedicated scholar. Ben won Dux awards for four of his SACE Stage 2 subjects—Biology, Chemistry, English and Psychology—and merits in English, Psychology and Integrated Learning B – Religious Education. His leadership extended beyond the classroom, as he established a mathematics support program, led study sessions—even during school holidays—and served as a mentor for his peers. Ben now hopes to pursue Psychology at university.

Ebony Lewis has demonstrated outstanding leadership as an Aboriginal student leader, fostering cultural understanding and inclusivity within the Xavier College community. She played a pivotal role in organising NAIDOC Week celebrations and has mentored younger Aboriginal students in their transition to secondary education. Ebony’s critical thinking and analytical skills have been evident in her work evaluating the effectiveness of communication and processes across community service initiatives, including Project Compassion. A skilled communicator, Ebony excels at adapting her messages to suit different audiences, ensuring meaningful engagement and impact.

These awards celebrate not only academic excellence but also the resilience, leadership, and service of students who make a difference in their communities. Xavier College congratulates Ben and Ebony on this well-deserved recognition and is immensely proud of their success on a statewide stage.