In 2019, Jade Capitanelis graduated from St Spyridon College in Kingsford, Sydney, with an Australian Tertiary Admission Rank of 94.35.
Two years later and she is not only currently studying a Bachelor of Arts/Law at the University of New South Wales, but she has also been named one of two recipients in NSW of the Brother John Taylor Memorial Prize.
This prize is awarded by the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) to students who have overcome significant disadvantage or disability to achieve academic excellence in the HSC.
According to a statement from St Spyridon College, Jade was born with cerebral palsy which affected her movement, speech and writing.
During her schooling at the College, from Kindergarten to Year 12, Jade participated in all aspects of school life and never expected any special treatment.
“Jade showed great resilience and effort. She was determined to do well and always tried her best, achieving high results in all her subjects,” the statement reads.
Jade was also a valued member of the senior Debating team, which won the HICES debating competition in 2019.
The College writes that the Student Principle which had particular meaning to Jade was, “we respond to the difficulties of life with patience, dignity and faith, never fearing to start again.” For her it meant perseverance and highlighted the importance of not giving up.
