Young Philanthropists Celebrated Across the Limestone Coast
The Stand Like Stone Foundation has proudly recognised the next generation of community-minded leaders through its Schools in Philanthropy initiative, celebrating secondary students across the Limestone Coast who embody empathy, generosity and a genuine commitment to others.
Through the Stand Like Stone Philanthropic School Award, each participating secondary school is invited to nominate a student who demonstrates philanthropic values in action. In 2025, twelve schools participated, each awarding a $100 philanthropic prize to a student whose actions reflect kindness, courage and a spirit of giving without expectation.
Stand Like Stone Foundation chair Georgie McKay said the initiative was about nurturing values that strengthen the region for the long term.
“Stand Like Stone was established in 2004 by local people who believed deeply in the power of community generosity,” Ms McKay said. “The Schools in Philanthropy initiative builds on that legacy by recognising young people who are already showing us what leadership through kindness and courage looks like. These students give us great confidence in the future of the Limestone Coast.”
Ms McKay said the foundation’s vision is to inspire community kindness and courage and to build on the generosity of spirit that exists across the region.
“Whether through volunteering, supporting others, environmental action or quiet acts of empathy, these students are making a difference in ways that may not always be visible, but are profoundly important,” she said.
Schools select their own award recipient using recommended criteria focused on generosity, service, empathy and leadership. Nominations are determined by each school’s leadership team, reinforcing trust in schools to identify students who best represent these values within their communities.
Awards were presented at end-of-year school presentation ceremonies by Stand Like Stone board directors, providing an opportunity to formally acknowledge each student in front of their peers, families and school communities.
Ms McKay said the initiative reflects Stand Like Stone’s role as a community foundation investing in lasting impact.
“Through scholarships, grants and programs like Schools in Philanthropy, we are investing in people – especially young people – who will shape the social fabric of our region for years to come,” she said.
“By recognising these students early, we hope to encourage a lifelong commitment to giving back.”
2025 Schools in Philanthropy Award Recipients
The following students were recognised in 2025:
- Allendale East Area School – Milli Ayres
- Bordertown High School – Grace Lusher
- Grant High School – Kodi Burfitt
- Keith Area School – Nimrod Shai
- Lucindale Area School – Harmony Reed
- Millicent High School – Astyn Baker
- Mount Gambier High School – Sae Nay Mya
- Naracoorte High School – Madison Hagarty
- Penola High School – Tessa Deglaitis
- St Martin’s Lutheran College –Eleanor Doyle
- Sunrise Christian School, Naracoorte– Chloe
- Tenison Woods College – Alirah Bowman
The Stand Like Stone Foundation thanks participating schools, families and educators for their ongoing partnership in nurturing generosity, empathy and leadership in young people.
For more information about the Schools in Philanthropy initiative or the work of the Stand Like Stone Foundation, visit www.standlikestone.com.au, email info@standlikestone.com.au or contact the foundation on (08) 7701 9259.
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We acknowledge the Aboriginal people as the First Nations of these lands and waters of the Limestone Coast. We acknowledge the Elders, past, present and future, and we respect the ongoing deep feelings of attachment and relationships of First Nations people to country.
Artwork by Aunty Michelle Jacquelin-Furr depicting the waterholes, landforms and stones of the Limestone Coast.
