Three of Darwin’s Clontarf academies finished 2025 on a high note recently, with Casuarina, Driver Primary and Nightcliff each hosting uplifting awards events that recognised the growth, effort and achievements of their academy members.
Families, school staff, partners and community supporters filled each venue, creating a proud atmosphere that reflected the positive year the boys have had both at school and in their academies.
At Casuarina Senior College, the ‘Colts’ celebration honoured a wide range of accomplishments, from leadership and community spirit to school attendance and training commitment. The night concluded with the presentation of Colt of the Year to Malcolm Harris, who recorded more than 90 per cent school attendance and did not miss a morning training session all year — earning strong respect from peers, teachers and staff.
Driver Primary’s ‘Dingoes’ Awards Night brought a vibrant energy as students took the stage to receive recognition across education, training participation, leadership, achievement and attendance. More than 140 guests attended, and a moving send-off for the Year 6 cohort highlighted how far the boys have progressed in confidence and maturity over their time in the academy.
Nightcliff’s ‘Stingrays’ celebrated an equally successful year with a warm and community-focused ceremony. Year 8 members stepped into emcee roles with confidence, while speeches from Year 9 boys spoke to the personal development they have experienced through Clontarf. The event concluded with the announcement of the Stingray of the Year, awarded to Kaiya Blomeley, to enthusiastic applause from families and partners.
Although the three celebrations reflected the unique strengths of each academy, they shared a clear message — success at Clontarf comes from consistency, positive choices and a willingness to participate. Whether through school attendance, leadership, attitude, or stepping into new opportunities, the boys were recognised for the behaviours that have helped them grow into confident young men.
With these celebrations bringing the school year to a close, Darwin’s Clontarf academies move into 2026 with strong momentum and a shared sense of pride in what their young men have achieved — and what lies ahead.
