By Kisean Joseph

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Senator Angelica O’Donoghue has launched a new award at her alma mater, Villa Primary School, presenting the inaugural “Your Future Is Yours” Award to graduate Nerissa Harris during this year’s graduation ceremony.

Seventy-one students crossed the stage at the 2026 ceremony, with Harris selected by the school’s teachers as the student who best exemplified perseverance, character and determination despite life’s challenges.

In addition to a commemorative plaque, the award includes sponsorship of Harris’s registration fees for Princess Margaret Secondary School, where she earned placement through the National Assessment, along with financial assistance towards her school uniforms.

Senator O’Donoghue said the award was created to recognise resilience and determination in students, rather than academic achievement alone.

Award recipient Nerissa Harris with Senator O’Donoghue. (Observer media photos)

“Success isn’t defined by where you begin or the obstacles you face. It is defined by your willingness to dream, to persevere, and to keep believing that your future belongs to you. I wanted this award to recognise a child who embodies that spirit and to remind them that someone believes in their potential,” O’Donoghue stated.

She said investing in young people remains one of the most meaningful ways to strengthen communities and create opportunities for future generations.

Family member, Tahna Weston, told Observer media that she was surprised to hear her niece’s name called, but said she is confident Harris has the potential to rise well beyond her present circumstances with continued support from family and well-wishers such as Senator O’Donoghue.

Senator O’Donoghue also presented a laptop computer to this year’s Top Graduating Girl and Salutatorian, Jaedah Baird, in recognition of her academic performance as she prepares to transition to secondary school.