A six-year journey at Mary MacKillop College (MMC) in Nundah has shaped 2025 graduate Giselle Grace into a committed leader and community advocate. As the College’s Mission Captain, she carried out a number of initiatives that highlighted her dedication to service and leadership.
Read: Mary MacKillop College in Nundah Opens New State-of-the-Art Learning Facility
During the year, Giselle worked with the Cancer Council’s Ponytail Project to support people experiencing cancer, raising both awareness and funds. She also supported The Forgotten Women charity through the Hearts and Hands Advocacy Event, contributing to student-led donations and handmade gifts for women experiencing homelessness.
In addition, she mentored the Junior Joeys for Justice Group, helping to organise social justice initiatives. She also led the MacKillop Action Group in coordinating whole-school activities — including liturgies, Harmony Week, the Hearts and Hands event, and the College’s Winter Drive.
Giselle also maintained a strong commitment to debating and public speaking. She competed in the Queensland Debating Union finals with the Year 12 debating team, coached the Year 9 team at her school, and took part in the Lions Youth of the Year Public Speaking Competition, where she was awarded Best Public Speaker.
Academically, Giselle was recognised at MMC’s Celebration of Excellence. She received the MacKillop Medallion for consistent A grades, the MMC Learner Award for high standards of application and conduct, and the Prize of Honour for outstanding service, leadership, and performance. She also took part in the University of Queensland’s three-day Women in Engineering program at the St Lucia campus.
Reflecting on her experience, Giselle said: “Throughout my journey MMC has taught me a few important things; that success and achievement is about what happens when we come together for something bigger than ourselves, it’s about the change that we can make together. I feel very fortunate to have experienced the opportunities that this College provided me.”
She also spoke highly of her teachers, noting: “Our teachers have guided and mentored us to be the best people we can be, and have encouraged us to demonstrate the MacKillop values, enabling us to grow together. That has been a life‑changing foundation that will help me navigate my future.”
Looking ahead, Giselle Grace will attend the Australian Defence Force Academy in Canberra to study Aeronautical Engineering. From there, she plans to enter the Royal Australian Air Force in a Mission Aircrew role.
Read: Teacher Recognised for Excellence in Nundah
Giselle’s final year at MMC has been defined by leadership, service, and community engagement. For her, being a MacKillop Woman means contributing to something greater than oneself and living out the College’s values of service, compassion, and integrity — values that MMC has nurtured in her through guidance, opportunity, and a strong foundation.
Published 24-November-2025
