OLD and new friends of Carmel College last month helped celebrate 20 years of delivering Catholic education in the Redlands.
Archbishop Mark Coleridge led the celebration Mass for current and former students, teachers, parents and a host of invited guests from the Brisbane Archdiocese, Catholic Education and Redland City Council on Friday, July 20.
He discussed the foundation of Catholic education and reminded the college community of their school's faith.
Archbishop Coleridge also spoke about the importance of happiness and the measure of success.
"You can measure your real level of success by your ability to go down to the lowest of the low of your brothers and sisters in need."
Founding Principal Faye Conley, who led the school from 1993 until 2006, recounted the college's humble beginnings from vacant land to the institution it has become.
She recognised the efforts of all teachers and students, including her successor Berenice McLellan, who, over the years, helped make the college what it was today.
Former student Amy Heales, now a doctor at Logan Hospital, spoke at the Foundation ceremony about the huge influence Carmel College had in her life.
"The school activities we participated in, and the subjects we learned, have certainly prepared me to conduct my life with its challenges and opportunities," Dr Heales said.
She then encouraged current students to participate in school events, study their subjects diligently and take time to enjoy their high school years, as they did not last forever.
Actor and former student Lincoln Lewis also spoke about the caring nature of the teachers and how they inspired him.
"It reminded me that even though I was not good at many things there are people in my life who want to see me succeed. Carmel College is such a great school," he said.
Principal Brian Eastaughffe said the 20th anniversary celebrations were a humbling experience.
"We're very appreciative of the efforts, the obstacles and the commitment of people to get Carmel College where it is today."
He said the college had received many congratulatory emails from the community.
about the success of the celebration.
and he thanked the commitment of the teachers and staff and praised the conduct of the students at the event.
"It makes one sit down and think about the present and reflect on the past 20 years," he said.
