Rotary Awards
Celebrating achievements in education, the Castle Hill Rotary Club recently hosted two special awards nights recognising Excellence in Youth and Teacher Awards.
The Excellence in Youth Awards recognises young people in the Hills community who show leadership, creativity, resilience, and drive.
As part of the award experience, each winner was paired with an expert mentor in their category, providing them with opportunities for growth, connection, and support beyond the event. Professional headshots were also taken to help launch their professional profiles as they continue building their careers.
Youth advocate and storyteller Tamisha Matara was guest speaker. At just 19, Tamisha brought warmth and wisdom as she shared her journey—born in Zimbabwe, now a passionate youth advocate in Australia.
Her work with UNICEF Australia, Liverpool City Council, and other national networks is focused on empowering young voices and creating change through storytelling and civic engagement. Her message resonated deeply and was a powerful reminder of what’s possible when young people are truly seen and supported.
This year’s award winners:
- Youth in STEM of the Year: Laura Croxson and Tanishkaa Ramesh
- Youth Future Educator of the Year: Aditi Gupta
- Youth Performing Artist of the Year: Hayley Mathie
- Youth Sportsperson of the Year: Daniel Carter, Kasper Cheung, and Sarah Hicks
- Youth Volunteer of the Year: Elyssa Tedesco, Mohammed Farhaj Ali, Harry McMahon, Megan Sutton, and Michael O’Brien
Ten amazing educators were honoured at Castle Hill Rotary Club’s Excellence in Teaching Awards.
The theme ‘Fostering a Passion to Learn and Grow ‘ was reflected in every story shared on the night. The awardees were recognised not just for academic outcomes, but for the meaningful difference they are making in their students’ lives and in their school communities.
“These awards celebrate teachers who help young people grow into capable, curious and confident individuals,” said Rotary President Dr Juanita Ruiz. “It’s about recognising the care, leadership and innovation that great teaching brings to our local Hills community.”
This year’s recipients were:
- Rebecca Normoyle, Crestwood High School
- Marianne Castor, Oakhill College
- Lara Palma, Castle Hill High School
- Jessica Kite, Baulkham Hills High School
- Rebecca Mahon, Quakers Hill High School
- Sherree Wormald, Excelsior Public School
- Bethany Corish, William Clarke College
- Isobella Davenport, St Gabriel’s School
- Suzette Lewis Driver, St Angela’s Primary School
- Chalon Robinson, Gilroy Catholic College
SHERREE WORMALD, who led the creation of the Memorial Garden at Excelsior Public School, was also recognised.. The garden stands as a permanent space for reflection and learning about remembrance and service, fostering values of empathy and respect in the school community.
