Year 8 student Emma McIntosh was judged runner-up and Gabrielle Henthorn, also  in year 8, was highly commended in the competition’s intermediate section.

More than 670 entries were submitted by students across Australia in the junior and intermediate sections, which included the grade 5 to year 9 cohort.

CCB submitted only 15 entries. 

“I didn’t expect to be selected – I was so excited when I found out,” Emma said. “Given the odds, it makes you feel very proud.”

As part of the competition, students were required to identify and interview a person they found inspiring and to tell their story in the form of a feature article.

Emma interviewed Joanne Baker from Righteous Pups, a local organisation that uses Labrador dogs to help people with autism.

Gabrielle selected Ken Evers who, with Tim Price, flew around the world in a light aircraft to raise money for their charity Millions Against Malaria. 

Bendigo Advertiser deputy editor Nicole Ferrie hosted a workshop with students interested in a career in journalism earlier this year.

Both girls said the workshop, and now the competition, had given them a passion for writing which they hoped to pursue after completing year 12.

Catholic Partnerships executive officer Frank Stuart visited the school’s La Valla campus last week to present the girls with their awards.

Mr Stuart said after reading their articles, people felt as if they knew the subject of their stories. 

“It’s the research that goes into them and the thought that makes these stories special,” he said. 

“To have the ability to write like this at your age will be a great asset.”

CCB La Valla deputy principal John Ferris commended Australian Catholic’s Magazine and the Office of Catholic Partnerships for giving students the opportunity to present their work.

“People grow from encouragement and opportunities like these,” he said.