NRL Cowboys House celebrated its annual Graduation & Awards Night, honouring students for their achievements in academics, culture, sport, resilience, and community service.
This event reflects the House’s core values—Family, Integrity, and Resilience—and celebrates the incredible journeys of young people from remote communities who have embraced opportunities and overcome challenges. It was a night of pride, culture, and inspiration.
AWARD RECIPIENTS
In order or presentation
Chunbahmah Award
This award honours Bradley Chunbahmah Spry’s legacy of music and cultural pride. It recognises students who champion creativity and cultural expression through art, music, and dance.
Recipients: Tshak Daniels-Misi & Georgia Clay
Tshak Daniels-Misi, Georgia Clay – Chunbahmah Award - presented by Mary McInnes (on behalf of the De La Cruz family)
Tshak Tshak inspired his peers by leading and choreographing Pimlico’s first cultural performance, guiding cultural performances throughout the year, and designing the artwork for the House coffee van.
Georgia founded the Indigenous Sistas Dance Group, growing it from five members to twelve, creating a space for girls to celebrate identity through dance. Both recipients embody leadership, creativity, and cultural pride.
Community Service Award
This award celebrates students who selflessly give their time to help others.
Recipients: Ty Gibson & Peter Daniels
Ty consistently lends a hand—from gardening in the North Queensland heat to assisting at Clontarf activities.
Peter is known for his kindness and initiative, volunteering at home games and supporting community events
Both students demonstrate reliability, humility, and a strong sense of responsibility, making them role models for their peers.
Resilience Award
Resilience means facing challenges head-on and choosing courage over comfort. Peter Bob overcame personal hardship, returning to boarding and finishing Year 12 with determination.
Recipents: Peter Bob, Jonathan Yorkston, Carleesha Tayley, Kudjarli-J Marie Nuggins
Kudjarli-J Marie Nuggins, Carleesha Tayley, Jonathan Yorkston, Peter Bob, – Resilience Award - presented by Andrea Heyward (Diabetic and Family GP Clinic)
Peter overcame personal hardship, returning to boarding and finishing Year 12 with determination.
Jonathan rebuilt his journey after leaving the House, embracing leadership and cultural projects.
Carleesha adapted to a new school, completing certificates ahead of schedule despite significant challenges.
Kudjarli-J balanced school, work, and advocacy as a Youth Ambassador, proving strength and independence.
Each recipient exemplifies perseverance and inspires others to keep going.
Sports Award
This award honours students who excel in sport and demonstrate commitment, teamwork, and sportsmanship.
This award honours students who excel in sport and demonstrate commitment, teamwork, and sportsmanship.
Recipients: Thelrina Akene, Narzarliah Doolah, Zazward Banu, Jerry Mipari
Thelrina shone in athletics and AFL, competing at state level and representing her club nationally.
Narzarliah broke six school records and represented North Queensland in Rugby League and athletics.
Zazward, a Year 7 student, impressed with his dedication to training and standout performances in touch football.
Jerry displayed leadership and humility while playing for Ignatius Park’s First XIII and earning a spot in the Blackhawks Mal Meninga Cup team.
Cultural Award
This award honours young leaders who embody cultural pride through their engagement in art, dance, and storytelling—bringing their unique heritage and creativity into our House and beyond.
Recipients: Indigenous Sistas Dance Troupe, Tshak Daniels-Misi, Kentaro Sabatino, Peah Messa, Talan Mossman, Thelrina Akene
The Indigenous Sistas Dance Troupe performed on national stages, showcasing strength and unity.
Tshak and Kentaro led cultural performances and art projects, inspiring peers through creativity.
Peah represented culture nationally through dance and design, while Talan and Thelrina created commissioned artworks that honour identity and connection to Country.
Year 7 Award
Our Year 7 award recognises a remarkable journey. This year, these young students embarked on a new adventure, leaving the familiarity of home to settle into boarding life.
Kindness Award
Kindness is a character trait that we value at the House and these students have been identified as displaying kindness towards others, both peers and staff alike.
Recipients: Cyprian Mossman, Joseph Sam, Carleesha Tayley
Rochelle Jones presents Joseph Sam with his Kindness Award
Cyprian welcomes new students, shares generously, and creates a positive atmosphere.
Joseph’s caring nature shines through his willingness to help and his vision of supporting younger siblings when they join the House.
Carleesha’s warmth and laughter make boarding feel like home.
Academic Awards
Most Outstanding Academic Award
Recipients:
Junior Girl: Sophia Burns-Schell
Junior Boy: Zephaniah Whap
Senior Girl: Aydah-Maree Ross-Kelly
Senior Boy: Hezekiah Nona
Most Outstanding Academic Award - Senior winners Aydah-Maree & Heze
Junior boys winner Zephaniah Whap receives his award, presented by Luke Thomson Principal Ignatius Park College
Academic Encouragement Award
Recipients:
Juniors: Zazward Banu, Ursula Bengaroo, James Jr Fourmile, Pryce Mara, Jacinta Mari, Antonio Moses, Latrell Skyes-Creek, Jetaeo Smiler, Loretta Thaiday, Joelle Williams, Jonathan Yorkston
Recipients:
Seniors: Thelrina Akene, Amaziah Ah Wing, Peter Bob, Georgia Clay, Denzel Daniels-Misi, Tshak Daniels-Misi, Loush Mari, Peah Messa, Jerry Mipari, Donny Patrick, Makere Ponga, Kentaro Sabatino, Philip Sam, Ralph Sam, Romell Sorogo, Nahkayia Yeatman
Career & Training Awards
Ampol Driving Award
This award recognises the students who are out on the roads, who have worked hard to gain their driver’s licence hours, who already have their P’s and are using them to get home to visit family or get to work after school.
Recipients: Tahliyah Jawai, Hezekiah Nona, Kudjarli-J Nuggins
Driving Award winners Kudjarli-J, Hezekiah and Tahliah with Sarah Rutter (Ampol Representative)
Training Award
Sponsored by AMA Group, this award recognises a strudent who has demonstrated dedication, resilience, and passion to realise remarkable achievements in their training programs.
Recipient: Kalina Zaro
Kalina receiving her award from Soren Moke from AMA Group
Trade Award
Sponsored by Peak ARE recognises a student who consistently demonstrates a positive attitude, respect, reliability, and integrity — qualities that reflect the values of Peak ARE and lay the foundation for success in work, life, and a future trade career.
Recipient: Rathony Pearson
Allan Petersen presents Rathony with a new tool kit thanks to Peak ARE
Work Experience & Employment
Work experience
This award recognises students for their exceptional commitment and performance during work experience.
Recipients: Rathony Pearson & Walter Dau - Mike Carney Toyota
Part-time employment
This award recognises students for their outstanding commitment to their part-time roles.
Recipients: Georgia Clay - Chempro, Tahliyah Jawai - Downer, Kurjarli-J Marie Nuggins - Cowboys Leagues Club
Interact Leadership Award
This award recognises a standout Interact Club member who has been committed to community service.
This year, the club’s major focus was participating in and fundraising for Convoy for a Cure, a signature Townsville event that supports the local charity The Cure Starts Now.
Recipient: Tahliyah Jawai
Gold Awards
Boys Campus
Recipients: Zazward Banu, Denzel Daniels- Misi, Dallas Darby,Junior Dau, James Fourmile, Donny Patrick, Kentaro Sabatino, Phillip Sam, Ralph Sam, Joseph Sam, Jetaeo Smiler, Mungu Toby, Jonathon Yorkston
Mungu Toby receiving his award from Cowboys Community Foundation CEO Fiona Pelling
Girls Campus
Recipients: Thelrina Akene, Amaziah Ah Wing, Ursula Bengaroo, Sophia Burns-Schell, Tahliyah Jawai, Louish Mari, Aydah-Maree Ross-Kelly, Carleesha Tayley, Loretta Thaiday, Nahkayia Yeatman
Thelrina Akene receiving her award from Fiona Pellilng
Staff Excellence Award
The Staff Excellence Award honours a team member who consistently goes above and beyond in creating a supportive, inclusive, and caring environment for our students.
Recipients: Betty, Rena, Bradley (Chooky), Tony
Most Outstanding Boarder Awards
Juniors:
Girls Campus: Loretta Thaiday
Boys Campus: Jetaeo Smiler
Seniors:
Girls Campus: Louish Mari
Boys Campus: Kentaro Sabatino
Louish receiving her award from former Cowboys CEO Jeff Reibel
On receiving his award Kentaro presented Jon and Rochelle with a special gift as a thank you for his time at the House
