The De La Salle Award is the pinnacle of student recognition at St Michael’s College and is presented to the graduating student who best personifies the spirit of the College. It seeks to promote and recognise our core values, awarding a student who contributes to the broader life of the College while achieving academically commensurate with their ability.

At our 2025 Graduation Mass, the following was shared by Robert Dempsey, on the achievements and contributions of this years recipient – Aidan Sbatella.

“This year’s award winner has fulfilled the criteria of the De La Salle Award, making an outstanding contribution to our community. They have been academically diligent, earning excellent feedback from all teachers for their commitment to study and behaviour, while serving as a source of encouragement and inspiration for their peers.

As a leader, this student has consistently led through example. They’ve guided younger students in faith-based activities, presented to classes on study habits and perseverance, and regularly stepped forward to assist at events. One staff member described them as “someone who doesn’t seek attention but simply makes the College a better place for others through small, consistent acts of service.”

They have also engaged in broader community life, attending Diocesan forums for young people in the Church and representing the College at major faith and education events. Another staff member explained that they’ve rarely seen someone who is “not only a great student, working hard and helping others in class, but a young person with a servant heart, often doing things for other people without being asked.”

Beyond the classroom, this student has shown a deep commitment to service and social justice – preparing and presenting chapel services, assisting at Retreats, and volunteering behind the scenes at College events; including Breakfast Club, an ANZAC Day Dawn Service, College tours and making ribbons for White Ribbon Day. They have represented St Michael’s at the Marian Procession, participated in the Rosary and Benediction, and read the Pilgrims of Hope Jubilee Prayer at Founders Day Mass. Most notably, they trained and served as a Eucharistic Minister during Year 12 Masses, demonstrating humility, faith and dedication to the Lasallian ethos. They organised chapel services to recognise the canonisation of Carlo Acutis for every year level and explained his legacy of promoting Eucharistic miracles.

This student’s leadership and genuine care for others embody the essence of being Lasallian. Their legacy is one of faith, service, and community that will inspire others for years to come.

Congratulations to Aidan Sbattella, the recipient of the De La Salle Award for 2025.”