As part of our 2026 Valedictory Dinner celebrations, we recognised the achievements and contributions of our Year 12 students through our annual Valedictory Awards.
Each award is linked to a significant person in the Salesian story, celebrating students who have demonstrated academic excellence, personal growth, resilience, leadership and service to others. Reflecting our College vision, mission and values, these awards recognise students who have made a meaningful and lasting impact on our College community.
Students and staff were invited to nominate deserving recipients, with the College Leadership Team selecting the award winners.
Congratulations to our 2026 Valedictory Award recipients! We are incredibly proud of your achievements and the positive contributions you have made throughout your time at Salesian College Chadstone.
Bartholomew Garelli Award
The Principal’s Award is an occasional award which may be presented to a Year 12 student who has achieved commendably despite facing particular hardships throughout his schooling and VCE journey. Like Bartholomew Garelli, the recipient demonstrates resilience, persistence, humility and quiet confidence.
The recipient of the 2026 Bartholomew Garelli Award is Leo Ceretto-Dillon.
Throughout his time at Salesian College, Leo has overcome several challenges while demonstrating remarkable resilience, determination and a consistent commitment to College life.
He has made meaningful contributions across academics, performing arts and social justice, continually seeking opportunities to work alongside others and improve in all aspects of his schooling.
Leo has set a high standard through his academic effort and performance, while also demonstrating kindness and composure in his support of fellow students during this year’s College production.
His generosity and commitment to helping others were particularly evident through his participation in the World’s Greatest Shave, where he selflessly donated his hair and helped raise thousands of dollars for a worthy cause.
Despite the challenges he has faced throughout his schooling journey, Leo continues to embody our Salesian values through his daily interactions, demonstrating the resilience, humility and compassion that make him a deserving recipient of this award.
Michael Rua Awards
The Michael Rua Award (VCE Scored) goes to a student who, over his time at the College, has:
- Achieved outstanding academic results consistently during his six years at the College
- Demonstrated a consistent approach to achieving personal excellence
- Shared his skills and knowledge by participating in authentic, collaborative learning that enriched others
The recipient of the 2026 Michael Rua Award (VCE Scored) is Hamish Saffin.
Hamish has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to every aspect of College life, consistently striving for academic excellence while remaining deeply invested in the success of those around him.
Throughout his time at Salesian College, he has maintained exceptionally high academic standards, driven by a genuine desire to achieve his personal best and continually improve.
A regular attendee at both before and after school study sessions, Hamish generously shares his knowledge with his peers, supporting their understanding and encouraging them to achieve their own academic goals.
His commitment to learning has been particularly evident throughout Year 12, consistently seeking feedback from his teachers and using it to refine his work and improve his performance. He approaches challenges with maturity and humility, demonstrating a genuine willingness to learn and grow.
Beyond his academic achievements, Hamish has shown great care for the wellbeing of others through his thoughtful interactions, supportive nature and willingness to assist those around him.
His dedication, humility and commitment to both personal excellence and the success of others make him a deserving recipient of this award.
Michael Rua Award (VCE Vocational Major)
The Michael Rua Award (VCE VM) goes to a student who, over his time at the College, has:
- Demonstrated personal excellence in each of the learning components of the Vocational Major Program
- Demonstrated a high degree of independent and collaborative learning skills and knowledge across a range of learning and work commitments
- Strived for personal excellence while modelling servant leadership qualities
- Shown leadership for learning in a variety of learning environments
The recipient of the 2026 Michael Rua Award (VCE VM) is Isaac Ng.
Isaac has been a dedicated and valued member of the VCE Vocational Major program throughout his senior years, consistently demonstrating a caring, outgoing and approachable nature.
He has built strong relationships across the College and is always willing to support those around him, whether in the classroom or the wider school community.
An enthusiastic contributor to class discussions, Isaac brings energy and positivity to his learning environment, willingly assisting his peers and helping to create a culture of collaboration and encouragement.
His leadership has been particularly evident through his involvement in several VCE VM initiatives across Years 11 and 12, including playing a leading role in the highly successful World’s Greatest Shave fundraiser. Through these initiatives, he has demonstrated initiative, commitment and a genuine desire to make a positive difference.
Beyond Salesian College, Isaac has successfully balanced his school commitments with TAFE and work placement, maintaining high standards and a strong work ethic across all areas.
As he prepares to begin an apprenticeship in 2027, Isaac leaves Salesian College having made a lasting impact through his kindness, generosity and unwavering support of others.
Omnia Awards
The Omnia Award is given to a student who, over his time at the College, has:
- Made an outstanding contribution to community service within, or on behalf of, Salesian College, thus living out our College motto of ‘all things to all people’
- Demonstrated community mindedness and action which is selfless, voluntary and regular, without the expectation of reward or recognition
The recipients of the 2026 Omnia Awards are Anthony Di-Pietrantonio and Xavier Yu.
Anthony has demonstrated a quiet confidence throughout his time at Salesian College, making a significant contribution to the VCE VM cohort through his commitment to service, leadership and social justice.
While never seeking recognition for his efforts, Anthony has consistently shown a genuine desire to help others and make a positive difference in the community.
His contributions have included leading fundraising efforts for Salesian Missions in both Years 11 and 12, organising and participating in the Timor-Leste Immersion and representing the College at Aus Bosco.
Through these experiences, Anthony has also helped raise awareness of the opportunities and privileges we enjoy living in Australia, encouraging others to recognise the importance of supporting communities in need.
Beyond these achievements, Anthony is known for his humility, kindness and genuine care for others. He consistently treats those around him with respect and compassion, embodying the Salesian values in his daily interactions.
His commitment to service extends beyond his time at Salesian College, with Anthony planning to continue supporting these important causes into the future.
Xavier is a passionate, humble and community minded member of the Class of 2026 who has consistently demonstrated a genuine commitment to supporting others throughout his time at Salesian College.
As an active member of the College’s Social Justice Committee, Xavier has played a leading role in numerous fundraising and awareness initiatives, including the Young Vinnies Conference, Salesian events at Pascoe Vale, the Day of Difference and the annual canned food drive.
His willingness to serve has also extended to sport, where he generously volunteered his time to assist with the coaching and management of the Senior B Soccer Team, contributing to the team’s success both on and off the field.
Whether through leadership, service or everyday acts of kindness, Xavier consistently invests his time and energy into making a positive difference in the lives of others.
Remarkably, he has balanced these contributions alongside his academic and social commitments, demonstrating humility, dedication and genuine care for those around him.
Xavier’s selflessness and commitment to serving others truly reflect the spirit of the Omnia Award and the values of our Salesian community.
Dominic Savio Award
The Dominic Savio Award is given to a student who, over his time at the College, has:
- Demonstrated personal growth and maturity
- Had significant involvement in artistic or sporting endeavours
- Endeavoured above and beyond in some capacity and has been actively involved in the wider College community
The recipient of the 2026 Dominic Savio Award is Darcy Humphreys.
Darcy has been a passionate and dedicated contributor to the performing arts throughout his time at Salesian College, generously sharing his talents with the wider College community.
He has performed regularly in Autumn and Spring Concerts, school assemblies and numerous productions in partnership with Sacred Heart College, demonstrating a genuine commitment to the arts.
Alongside his extensive involvement in performing arts, Darcy has maintained strong academic standards and consistently shown kindness, humility and a willingness to support his peers.
His dedication was particularly evident in his final year, as he balanced the demands of Year 12 with his leading role as Willy Wonka in the College musical.
While his performances on stage were memorable, it was his contribution behind the scenes that truly reflected his character. Through his encouragement, mentorship and guidance of younger cast members, Darcy helped create a supportive and inclusive environment, leaving a lasting impression on those around him.
His commitment, leadership and generosity of spirit have made a meaningful contribution to our College community and make him a deserving recipient of the Dominic Savio Award.
St Francis de Sales Award
The St Francis de Sales Award goes to a student who, over his time at the College, has:
- Consistently embodied, exhibited and promoted the vision, mission and values of the College in his conduct and relationships, both within and beyond the College community
- Demonstrated the Salesian charism of a ‘strong mind and gentle heart’ and a ‘loving kindness’ in his relationships with others
The recipient of the 2026 St Francis de Sales Award is Leo Basbanas.
Leo is a quiet achiever who has embraced a wide range of opportunities throughout his time at Salesian College, consistently making a positive impact on those around him.
His determination and commitment have been evident through his involvement in ACC sport, where he has demonstrated excellent sportsmanship and a desire to achieve his personal best.
Beyond the sporting field, Leo has generously volunteered his time as a College Tour Guide, regularly giving up hours outside of school to welcome prospective families and share his experiences of life at Salesian.
In the classroom, Leo is a thoughtful and active contributor to discussions, always willing to engage with his learning and support his peers. He is also a regular attendee at after school study sessions, where he works collaboratively with others and encourages them to strive for improvement.
While Leo has not held an official leadership position, he has consistently demonstrated leadership through his actions. Whether enthusiastically supporting his House at Athletics and Swimming Carnivals or helping his peers in everyday situations, he has embodied our College values of integrity, respect and belonging.
Leo is also recognised for his willingness to stand up against injustice in a respectful and constructive manner, always demonstrating genuine care for the wellbeing of others.
Through his quiet leadership, strong character and commitment to the community, Leo has made a lasting contribution to Salesian College and is a deserving recipient of this award.