Some of the academic high achieving students from Irene McCormack Catholic College’s class of 2017 returned recently, presenting the College community with a gift of thanks from their cohort.

The gift was a mural titled Legacy, painted by a group of ten 2017 alumni, featuring a portrait of College patron Sr Irene McCormack, a stylised version of the College crest, and some Callistemon Citrinus flowers, also known as Mary MacKillop Bottlebrush. The mural is inspired by the work of a Peruvian artist, and references the Peruvian cross, speaking to Sr Irene’s commitment to justice and love for the people she served in Peru.

Leah Ayres was College Dux of 2017, was awarded the 2018 John Curtin Undergraduate Scholarship, and was one of those instrumental in bringing the mural to life. She spoke with current Year 11 and 12 students, sharing with them about her experiences and strategies that helped her during her senior years of school.

Leah encouraged the students to look to their patron saint for inspiration.

“Our patron, Sr Irene McCormack, left her mark in this world, creating immeasurable positive change. This was done through her courage and faith, being involved and working both joyously and tirelessly to serve others. She inspires all of us to constantly seek justice, as she left her own legacy by selflessly serving the people of Huasahuasi, Peru,” she said.

Legacy will be displayed in the College library.

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