Class of 2026 Gratitude Dinner
By Julian Schubert | Marketing & Communications Manager
Our Year 12 students and their families came together last night for the Class of 2026 Gratitude Dinner, a heartfelt celebration of the people, experiences and moments that have shaped their journey at Encounter.
The evening provided a special opportunity for students to express their appreciation to their parents and carers for the unwavering love, support and encouragement they have received throughout their schooling. It was also an opportunity for the College to give thanks in return, acknowledging our Year 12 families for their partnership, trust and commitment as we have shared in their children's educational journey.
Welcomed by Principal Shane Jurecky, the evening featured a program of student performances, including musical contributions from our Year 11 and Year 12 Music classes and Senior Band. Guests also heard messages from Shane, Craig Fielke, Executive Director of Lutheran Education SA, NT & WA (LESNW), and Jon Grear, Head of Middle & Senior School, before sharing in a special gratitude blessing led by Pastor Nigel Rosenzweig.
A highlight of the evening was the presentation of Graduation Certificates, Academic Awards and Merit Awards, recognising the dedication, commitment, achievements and personal growth of our graduating students. Congratulations to all recipients, including Charles Craig, who was announced as the recipient of the 2026 Principal's Award.
We were also treated to a special final message from our outgoing 2026 College Captains, Lola Turner and Brodie Cross, followed by The Journey, a video celebrating the many memories and milestones of the Class of 2026. The evening concluded with a heartfelt farewell from Encounter staff and a blessing for the journey ahead.
An especially significant milestone for this year's graduating class is that 18 students have been part of the Encounter community from Foundation through to Year 12, completing their entire schooling journey with us. We proudly acknowledge and celebrate these students:
Mark Andrews, Cameron Delongville, Indianna East, Tyler Hann, Keane Jamieson, Locky Lestar, Hayley Mann, Jay McCann, Luke McLachlan, Tayla Murphy, Tamsin Newman, Jacob Onderstal, Zoe Palmer, Cleo Parry, Chanel Pedler, Grace Rogers, Hugo Smith and Lola Turner.
What a privilege it has been to share in their growth, learning and development over so many years!
Throughout their time at Encounter, the Class of 2026 has shared so many gifts, talents, friendships and acts of service with our College community. They leave behind a legacy we are incredibly proud of, and we give thanks for the contribution each student has made.
To our Year 12 families, thank you for allowing us to be part of your children's journey. And to the Class of 2026, as you prepare to take your next steps beyond Encounter, may you carry with you the friendships, values and memories formed along the way.
Farewell and God bless, Class of 2026.
A complete list of our 2026 Year 12 Academic Award and Merit Award recipients is included below.
Academic Awards
- Music Performance: Ensemble - Zoe Baker
- Music Performance: Solo - Zoe Baker
- Digital Communication Solutions - Josiah Britton
- Biology - Charles Craig
- Business Innovation - Charles Craig
- General Mathematics - Charles Craig
- English Literary Studies - Brodie Cross
- Mathematical Methods - Owen d'Hotman de Villiers
- Specialist Mathematics - Owen d'Hotman de Villiers
- English - Magdalena Diaz Castilla
- Earth & Environmental Science - Oliver Dunkley
- Essential Mathematics - Indianna East
- Japanese Continuers - Indianna East
- Visual Art - Matilda Edmonds
- Digital Technologies - Kael Grant
- Workplace Practices - Leila Harrington
- Essential English - Joey Irvine
- Music Explorations - Luke McLachlan
- Physics - Luke McLachlan
- Health & Wellbeing - Cleo Parry
- VET Student of the Year Award - Chanel Pedler
- Material Solutions - Pollyanna Pitt
- Dance - Chloe Rosser
- Activating Identities and Futures - Ruby Stockley
- Psychology - Ruby Stockley
- Physical Education - Demi Trewthewey
- Child Studies - Kasia Zadow
- Food & Hospitality - Kasia Zadow
Merit Awards
- See Optometry Science Award - Fenix Coull for outstanding academic achievement in all studies, particularly in the area of STEM, presented by Martin Diep of See Optometry.
- ADF Future Innovators Award - Owen d’Hotman de Villiers . This award recognises a student who demonstrates curiosity, creativity and forward-thinking in their approach to learning and problem solving. This student consistently seeks innovative solutions, embraces new ideas and technologies, and applies critical thinking skills to overcome challenges. Through their initiative, perseverance and willingness to explore new possibilities, they make a positive contribution to their learning environment and inspire others to think beyond conventional approaches.
- ADF Long Tan Youth Leadership and Teamwork Award - Kael Grant. The ADF Long Tan Youth Leadership and Teamwork Award recognises a student who consistently demonstrates outstanding leadership, teamwork and service to others. This student leads by example, showing initiative, integrity and respect in all aspects of school life. They work collaboratively with their peers, value the contributions of others, and use strong communication and problem-solving skills to achieve positive outcomes. Their resourcefulness, cooperation and commitment to the College community set them apart as a role model for their fellow students.
- Ampol All Rounder - Zoe Baker. Demonstrating a high level of capability in Performing Arts, service through Student Leadership and academic excellence. In the Performing Arts she has willingly engaged in performance opportunities in dance showcases, musical ensembles and been a role model for other students in these spaces, as well as representing the school in the wider community. Zoe was elected as a Rosetta House Captain in 2025 and led from the front and by example. Her personal conduct is exceptional - she treats others with respect, fairness and kindness. A quiet achiever, she has high expectations for herself and has effectively balanced her academic studies with her Cert IV in Dance Teaching and Management during Year 12.
- VET Student of the Year Award - Chanel Pedler. The Encounter Lutheran College ‘Vocational Student of the Year’ award recognises an outstanding student's achievement in a course of study leading to a nationally recognised qualification and demonstrates the relevance of lifelong learning. This award acknowledges a student who has made a strong commitment to their studies, who has gone above and beyond the requirements of their course, and has successfully managed to balance their academic studies with their vocational training. The recipient of this award has demonstrated initiative, and has been self-directed and driven in their approach to their vocational education and training.
- Lions Club of Victor Harbor Citizenship Award - Matilda Edmonds. Recognises a student who has demonstrated outstanding citizenship through their service, leadership, integrity, and commitment to others.
- Mayo Community Service Award - Charles Craig. The Mayo Community Service Award recognises a student who has demonstrated an outstanding commitment to serving others and making a positive contribution to their community. Through generosity, compassion, leadership, and a willingness to give their time for the benefit of others, this student has embodied the values of active citizenship and servant-hearted leadership. Whether through volunteering, supporting community initiatives, participating in fundraising activities, or contributing to College and local community events, they have consistently sought to make a meaningful difference.
- Principal's Award - Charles Craig for his outstanding character, commitment to personal growth, service to others, and positive contribution to the Encounter community.
Encounter Lutheran College acknowledges the Ramindjeri people of the Ngarrindjeri Country as the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we live, work and learn. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging.
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