Celebrating Excellence: 2025 Sports and Cultural Awards

Somerset College recently celebrated an extraordinary year of achievement, dedication, and talent at the 2025 Sports and Cultural Awards Assembly. The event recognised students who exemplify the Somerset values of excellence, perseverance, creativity, and community, whether on the field, on stage, or in service to others.

From national sporting triumphs to creative milestones, the ceremony showcased the breadth of student success across the College, honouring those who have not only excelled in performance but also embodied leadership, teamwork, and integrity.

Honour Gold Awards – Sport

Jorja Grocott (Volleyball)

This year, Jorja Grocott reached an incredible milestone in her volleyball journey, earning selection to the Under 16 Women’s Australian Volleyball Team, representing her country at the Asia Championships in Jordan in July. Competing on the international stage is a remarkable achievement that reflects her commitment, resilience, and elite skill level.

Back home, Jorja continued to dominate across all-school volleyball competitions, showcasing her leadership, consistency, and competitive spirit throughout the season. Her dedication and passion for the game have set an inspiring example for aspiring athletes across Somerset.

Leny Grigor (Swimming)

This year, Leny Norris has continued to make waves, quite literally, in the world of competitive swimming. 

Crowned APS Age Champion and the winner of five gold medals at the Secondary School Nationals, Leny’s dominance in the pool has been nothing short of exceptional. He also claimed gold at the Queensland Short Course Championships, setting multiple Australian records along the way, a remarkable feat for an athlete of his age. 

Recognised for his elite talent and dedication, Leny has been invited to attend Swimming Australia’s Development Team Camps, the breeding ground for Australia’s next generation of Olympians. His work ethic, humility, and passion for the sport continue to inspire those around him, both in and out of the pool.

Huw Hoffman (Tennis)

This year, Huw Burnett has demonstrated outstanding skill and determination on the tennis court, cementing his place as one of Somerset’s rising sporting talents. 

Ranked among the top 3,000 junior players in the world, Huw’s consistency and commitment have seen him achieve remarkable success internationally and at home, including tournament victories in Fiji, a Top 16 finish in the Queensland Under 16 Championships, and selection for the Queensland Masters Team.

Huw’s competitive drive, resilience, and professionalism continue to set him apart, qualities that will no doubt serve him well as his tennis journey reaches new heights.

Ethan Grocott (Volleyball)

This year, Ethan has been a powerhouse on the court and in the sand, representing Somerset College with pride and excellence. 

Ethan’s achievements include winning Gold at the Beach Volleyball Schools Cup representing Queensland and representing Australia at the U18 World Championships in Doha, Qatar, an incredible milestone that highlights his dedication, skill, and composure at the elite level.

Closer to home, Ethan was also a key member of the APS Premiership Open Boys Volleyball Team, contributing to their championship success with leadership and teamwork that exemplify the spirit of Somerset sport.

Cultural Awards

HOTA Future Creative Award – Brandon Reid

The HOTA Future Creative Award honours a student who demonstrates outstanding promise in the creative arts and shows strong potential to further develop their skills during senior schooling. The unique award is a one-of-a-kind artwork by local artist Hayley Stanich and the bespoke HOTA Future Creative badge. The 2025 Future Creative award winner, Brandon Reid, came into focus throughout 2025, as a rising talent. He successfully auditioned for the Musical for the first time in 2025 and played Fred Casely in the Somerset College production of Chicago. A participant of the Generate project, he worked alongside Dead Puppets Society to devise a new theatrical work as part of the Somerset Ignites Festival. He has studied Theatre in Year 9 and 10 as an elective subject, with the view to continue his Arts pathway in Year 11. Additionally, he attends weekly speech and drama co-curricular lessons at Somerset. Outside of the college, his love of performing is affirmed through his commitment to the Sophomore Spotlight Musical Theatre ensemble.

Honours Gold – Alessandro Martinese

Alessandro completed his L.Mus.A with Distinction this year at the age of 12. He has also completed all 12 levels of the Suzuki method. This year, following on from his win in 2024, Alessandro returned to the Cremona International Music competition to perform with the Cremona Academy Orchestra. Among his other achievements, he has participated in the Australian Honours Ensemble Program for the past three years, is a member of the Queensland Youth Symphony Orchestra, and has been accepted into the Australian Youth Orchestra Symphonists program for 2026. Alessandro recently performed as a soloist with the Northern Rivers Symphony Orchestra.

The 2025 Sports and Cultural Awards Assembly was a powerful reminder that success takes many forms, from the precision of the athlete to the vision of the artist. Each student recognised represents the College’s enduring commitment to nurturing talent, courage, and curiosity across every field of endeavour.