Last month, the Port Lincoln Yacht Club hosted the seventh annual Port Lincoln Clontarf Academy Awards Night, an event which celebrated the success of dozens of Clontarf Foundation members for 2025 in front of a large crowd of special guests, program partners, proud families, school staff and participating students.
The evening commenced with guests enjoying a tasty meal provided by Clontarf staff and volunteers. Two Year 9 students – Ryder Bilney and Scott Kropinyeri – performed admirably throughout the night as the ceremony’s MC’s, with Year 11 student Lloydey McLean delivering a Welcome to Country.
Following a video message from Clontarf CEO Gerard Neesham and an introductory address from Port Lincoln Academy Director Matthew Stokes, the names of this year’s worthy award recipients were announced. When the technology allowed, the audience was enlightened and entertained by fantastic video compilations featuring the myriad activities that Academy members participated in throughout 2025.
The special awards (listed below) were presented by a range of invited guests, program partners and Clontarf/PLHS staff; they recognised the boys’ achievements in the fields of attendance, leadership, well-being, sport, education and employment. Each recipient diligently delivered a heartfelt acceptance speech after receiving their certificate/prize. We congratulated all award-winners and their families on this wonderful recognition.
Congratulations also went to 2025 Port Lincoln Academy staff Matthew Stokes, Derick Wanganeen and Casey Amos – on top of their passionate efforts in managing our Clontarf Academy throughout 2025, they organised and delivered another brilliant awards ceremony.
ATTENDANCE AWARD:
Presented by (and pictured here with) PLHS ASETO Ms. Shantelle Pickett
- Tyson Retallick
EMPLOYMENT AWARD:
Presented by (and pictured here with) Clontarf Alumni Mr. Callum Buller
- Kobe Dodd
SPORTSMAN OF THE YEAR AWARD:
Presented by (and pictured here with) PLHS ASETO Mr. CJ Dodd
- Shadley Coffin
YEAR 12 GRADUATION PORTFOLIOS:
Presented by Academy Director Mr. Matthew Stokes & Operations Officer Mr. Derick Wanganeen
- Kobe Dodd (pictured here with mum Tegan)
- Lucas Retallick (pictured here with mum Melissa)
ENCOURAGEMENT AWARDS:
Presented by (and pictured here with) PLHS Aboriginal Education Teacher Mr. Brendan Welsh
- Jase Lennon (Junior Award)
- Kale Miller-Dorizzie (Senior Award)
TRAINING AWARD:
Presented by (and pictured here with) PLHS Assistant Principal & former Academy Director Mr. Jack Yeoman
- Aaron Richardson-Scott
GOOD BLOKE AWARDS:
Presented by (and pictured here with) Mayor of Port Lincoln Ms. Diana Mislov
- Ryder Bilney (Junior Award)
- Levi Miller (Senior Award)
ACADEMIC AWARD:
Presented by (and pictured here with) PLHS Assistant Principal Mr. Craig Curtis
- Jordy Parker
CLONTARF SPIRIT AWARDS:
Presented by (and pictured here with) PLHS Principal Mr. Craig Akehurst
- Leo Warrior (Junior Award)
- Connor Kropinyeri (Senior Award)