Celebrating Excellence: Honours Awards 2026
This year's Honours Awards celebrate the individual accomplishments, dedication, and leadership of seven (7) Rivermount College students who have earned the College's highest non-academic accolades in its co-curricular program and consistently demonstrate their commitment and excellence.
Congratulations to our Honours Award recipients for your outstanding recognition and the example you set for our College community.
Alex Petterwood | Year 12 | Full Honours
Alex Petterwood has earnt Full Honours in recognition of his sustained excellence in academics, leadership, public speaking, and community service. After receiving Honours last year for representing Queensland at the Australian National Convention, alongside his academic achievements, sporting involvement, and service to the College, Alex has continued to build on this impressive record.
As Academic Captain, Alex has demonstrated outstanding leadership while continuing to excel academically. He was part of the College team that placed second in the Queensland round of the World Scholar’s Cup for a second consecutive year, achieving first place individually. This success continued at the International Final in Shanghai, where both Alex and his team achieved remarkable results.
Alex has continued to distinguish himself through public speaking and advocacy. Following his involvement in the Lions Youth of the Year competition and Bond University Model United Nations, he represented our College in the QUT Mooting Competition, competing alongside some of Queensland’s strongest student talent.
His commitment to community service is equally impressive. Alex remains actively involved in the College Community Service Club, Beenleigh Junior Quota Club and Gold Coast Junior Council. He was also selected as a Red Shirt Ambassador for the Gold Coast Youth Leadership IMPACT Summit and served on the Queensland Youth Climate Council, demonstrating a genuine commitment to leadership and making a positive difference in the wider community. This dedication was further recognised when Alex received a Certificate for Community Service from the Order of Australia Association. Such recognition is a significant achievement for a student of his age.
Alex has also demonstrated remarkable perseverance through his participation in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award program, achieving Bronze, Silver and Gold Awards throughout his Secondary schooling.
Alex’s continued achievements since receiving Honours last year demonstrate the sustained commitment, initiative and excellence that Full Honours represents. He embodies Rivermount College’s motto of Perseverance, Integrity and Excellence, consistently striving to reach his potential while making a meaningful contribution to his College and wider community.
Cooper Akins-Brown | Year 11 | Honours
Cooper's award recognises his remarkable all-round involvement in sport, music, leadership and community service, alongside an outstanding academic record that includes Academic Commendation Awards, dating back to Year 4.
Music is a significant part of Cooper's College experience. He is a valued member of Backline Masters, the Senior Concert Band, and the Percussion Ensemble, and regularly performs at college events. He also composes and performs original music with his band, Keep Left, which placed third in Amplify and second in the Scenic Rim Battle of the Bands.
Cooper's leadership and initiative are equally evident through his involvement with the Junior Chamber of Commerce Executive Team, including helping organise the Beenleigh Beats performances.
A talented sportsman, Cooper has achieved Age Champion status and represented the College at Regional level in athletics, cross country and swimming over many years. He is also involved in our Touch Football and Volleyball Academy, has participated in GBC and AGCC Sport every Semester since Year 4, and volunteers as a referee at touch carnivals. His contribution to the sport has also been recognised through the Touch Ambassador of the Year award.
Cooper's community involvement includes Clean Up Australia Day, Principal's Tours, the Smith Family Reading Program, SRC representation and the Bronze Duke of Edinburgh's Award. Recognised for Service to the College every year since Year 4, he continues to demonstrate dedication, humility, and a genuine willingness to contribute wherever he can.
Taylah Anderson | Year 12 | Honours
Taylah's award recognises her completion of the Gold Duke of Edinburgh's Award, reflecting sustained commitment, perseverance and service. A confident and capable leader, Taylah has embraced opportunities to contribute to both College and community life, including serving as SRC President and Year 12 Community Co-captain.
Her commitment to others extends well beyond formal leadership roles. For four years, Taylah has coached Primary Netball and Basketball, and has also coached and umpired Community Netball. She has participated in the Kokoda Challenge for three years and contributed to college tours, volunteering and community initiatives.
Whether supporting younger students, representing her peers or encouraging others during challenging outdoor expeditions, Taylah brings initiative, organisation and a positive sense of humour to every experience.
Katie Dart | Year 12 | Honours
Since Prep, Katie has contributed to the College through her kindness, leadership, and passion for dance. As Arts Captain and a member of the College Leadership Team, Katie shares her experience with younger dancers and helps inspire the next generation of performers. Her confidence and willingness to embrace new challenges were particularly evident during the recent Japan Tour, where she taught the Nutbush and other dances to almost 200 Japanese students, sharing her love of dance and building connections through a shared experience. During the Far North Queensland Tour, she also formed meaningful connections with Indigenous children at Wujal Wujal.
Katie was also recognised for completing the Gold Duke of Edinburgh's Award, an achievement that reflects her determination, perseverance, and commitment to serving others.
Katie's warmth, generosity, and quiet determination exemplify the qualities the Honours Awards celebrate.
Alex Gang | Year 12 | Honours
Alex's award recognises his exceptional musical achievements, leadership and contribution to the community. A dedicated musician, Alex has completed his Diploma of Music through the Queensland College of Music and his Grade 8 AMEB violin examination. He leads our Chamber Strings Ensemble and the Senior String Orchestra and has represented the College at the State Honours Ensemble Program, performing in Middle School and Senior School orchestras.
Beyond the College, Alex is a member of the Queensland Korean Orchestra, the Griffith University Young Conservatorium String Orchestra, and the Griffith University Young Conservatorium Symphony Orchestra.
Alongside his musical achievements and responsibilities, Alex remains involved in other co-curricular events, including the Kokoda Challenge, and serves as Captain of our Senior Volleyball Team.
His enthusiasm, willingness to help and dedication to musical excellence make him an inspiring role model for younger students.
Emily Gaskain | Year 12 | Honours
Emily approaches challenges with confidence, ambition, and a strong sense of purpose, qualities evident across her academic, leadership, and community commitments. She has challenged herself through debating, mooting and public speaking, and represented the College at the World Scholar's Cup in China after placing second in Queensland.
Emily currently serves as College Wellbeing Captain, following two years on the SRC, and has also held leadership positions with Junior Quota, serving as President in 2025 and Vice-President this year.
Her commitment to community service is equally impressive. Emily has helped organise fundraising initiatives, including the Big Box Sleepout and Spooky Fair, raising thousands of dollars. Her award reflects the determination she brings to these pursuits and her willingness to make a meaningful difference in others' lives.
Emily was also recognised for completing the Gold Duke of Edinburgh's Award, an achievement that required considerable perseverance and a willingness to push beyond her comfort zone.
Isaac Postlewaight | Year 12 | Honours
Isaac's award celebrates his thoughtful leadership, reliability and dedication to supporting others. Through College expeditions, the Far North Queensland and Japan Tours, and the Year 11 Leadership Camp, Isaac has consistently demonstrated a strong sense of responsibility and care for those around him.
He often ensures others are prepared before an expedition, encourages students who find the journey challenging, and helps the group stay together. Around camp, he readily helps with meals, tents, and equipment, including the less appealing tasks that keep the group running smoothly. His leadership is grounded in action, with a willingness to step forward when direction is needed and to support others when they need encouragement.
Beyond these contributions, Isaac has achieved a second-degree black belt in Taekwondo, reflecting years of discipline, focus and determination. He brings these same qualities to his studies and his relationships with peers. With his integrity, dependability, and commitment to others, Isaac has made a valued contribution to the College and demonstrates the qualities of a strong, considerate leader.
