Stella Cozamanis, a Port Lincoln resident boarding at Immanuel College in Adelaide, has been awarded one of the 40 Governor of South Australia Commendations for 2023.
A spokesperson for the college congratulated Ms Cozamanis for her achievements.
“Stella, a boarder and gifted artist of Aboriginal and Greek heritage, displays great integrity and has been a change-maker at Immanuel with her leadership, mentorship, and willingness to support school events and community members,” they said.
The commendations recognise excellence in year 12 SACE subjects and students’ personal achievements inside and outside of the school community.
Students will receive their Commendation awards at an official ceremony at Government House on February 8.
SACE Board chief executive Michaela Bensley said 2023’s Governor of South Australia Commendation recipients were excellent ambassadors for the entire SACE class of 2023, which had shown creative thinking, community leadership, resilience, skill and passion for learning inside and outside of the classroom.
“The SACE Board congratulates the 2023 Governor of South Australia Commendation recipients, their loved ones and the educators and communities that have supported them through their 13 years of schooling,” she said.
A panel comprising the Governor, Her Excellency the Honourable Frances Adamson AC, and representatives from school, vocational education and training, and business sectors determine which nominated students receive the Governor’s Commendation awards.
The announcement said Stella was a gifted artist who had worked with staff to develop their professional skills in video editing.
As a boarder at her school, Stella took on the role of boarding house photographer and had created dozens of films, photo boards, news articles, and related media.
Her family originated from England, Greece and the Ngarrindjeri from the Coorong and lower Murray River.
After delving into her family history, Stella unearthed a rich tapestry of both her Aboriginal and Greek heritage.
Stella hopes to work abroad, particularly in Greece, and in a wildlife sanctuary in Africa.
