Tenison Woods College will host its annual Shining Light Awards in a virtual setting for the first time since the awards began in 2016, to avoid cancellation for a second year running.
The Friends of Tenison Woods College Old Scholars Association has proudly announced four ‘Shining Light’ award recipients in 2021, who will be celebrated on October 16 in an online format.
Tenison Woods College Principal David Mezinec said the Shining Light Awards aim to recognise significant contributions made by former students, families or staff to the local and global community in order to inspire current and future students.
“Tenison Woods College and its predecessors, St Paul’s School, Tenison College, Marist Brother’s Agricultural College, Mater Christi College, St Mary’s School and St Joseph’s College value the contributions of all community members, past and present and we think it’s important to recognise some of the stand-out achievements within the community,” Mr Mezinec said.
In previous years the college has been able to celebrate their Old Scholars and Shining Light recipients in a gala dinner format. In 2020 the event was cancelled due to COVID-19 restrictions.
This year the college respectfully cancelled the physical aspect of the event early to minimise implications of recipients and guests travelling interstate.
“Given the current situation in NSW and Victoria we came together as a committee and agreed on adjusting the format of the event so it can be accessible by all,” Mr Mezinec said.
“This will be the first year we host the event online and although there will be a great deal of planning involved, we are looking forward to being able to celebrate our incredibly inspiring 2021 recipients.”
The event will be open to the public with online links available on the Tenison Woods College Facebook page on October 16.
The four outstanding ‘Shining Light’ recipients for 2021 are:
Sunita Gloster (D’Souza) St Mary’s School, St Paul’s School, Tenison College (1974-1986)
Sunita has almost 30 years’ experience in the advertising, media and marketing industry. She is the founder of Gloster Advisory and is also a Senior Advisor for Accenture Australia and UN Women Australia. Sunita advocates for the empowerment of women and the acceleration of progress against gender inequalities.
Throughout her career, Sunita has held many leadership roles in Australia, London and across Europe.
With an extensive list of accolades and global recognition, Sunita continues to forge an impressive Executive career.
Barrie Holmes (dec) St Paul’s School, Marist Brother’s Agricultural College (1948-1959)
Barrie had a passion for sport and after leaving school he maintained a close connection with the college.
He was instrumental in establishing basketball as a sport at Tenison College and was also the leading force behind the building of the Multipurpose Hall in 1988, which today is known as the Barrie Holmes Stadium.
Barrie passed away in 1999 and is fondly remembered by his wife Gloria and their 9 children, all of whom attended Tenison College.
Sister Anne Foale Mater Christi College (1963-1970)
Anne is a Mercy Sister, based at the Sydney Mercy Works, where she assists in improving the lives of vulnerable people in Australia, Papua New Guinea, Timor-Leste and the Philippines.
Anne manages development projects and relief in those countries as well as programs supporting Aboriginal projects across Australia.
The Hon Rob Lucas MLC St Mary’s School, Marist Brother’s Agricultural College (1959-1969)
Rob is currently the South Australian Treasurer in the Marshall Liberal Government (since 2018).
He is also Leader of the Government in the Legislative Council.
Rob’s career in Politics began in 1982 when he was elected to the South Australian Legislative Council.
Since then, he has held many roles including Minister of Education and Children’s Services, Treasurer (1997-2002), Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council, Shadow Treasurer, Shadow Minister for Industry and Trade and Economic Development, to name a few.
