Prue Spencer wins Inspirational Award

Genazzano student, Prue Spencer, was recently recognised for her talent, creativity and ability to inspire others, as winner of the Pretty Foundation Artistic Award and overall Inspirational Award.

Held on Thursday 5 March, the Pretty Inspirational Awards, hosted by Jo Stanley, celebrate the achievements of girls under 18 years of age, teaching them to value their true character, abilities and the wonderful things that make them unique.

Genazzano teachers, Ms Gale and Mr Ansell attended the Awards evening with Prue and her family, who were all extremely proud and excited about this outstanding achievement.

A 16 year old student in Year 11, Prue was one of six category winners, as the Pretty Artistic winner – joined by the Pretty Ambitious, Pretty Bright, Pretty Compassionate, Pretty Courageous and Pretty Sporty winners.  

Prue was nominated by her Textiles Teacher, Katrina Wheaton-Penniall, who outlined her many accolades over the past seven years as part of the nomination.

Prue has mastered a number of artistic pursuits including magic, which she learnt through books and YouTube tutorials; juggling and tumbling as part of the Circus Oz junior troop; stand-up comedy; and percussion as part of the school’s instrumental program.

In addition to performing arts, Prue also excels at Art and Design and last year won the national Wool4School design competition with a technological outfit for vision impaired girls. The outfit was later made by fashion designer, Jonathan Ward and features in the March/April issue of Frankie Magazine.

Prue is currently working on a new outfit for blind teenage girls that incorporates innovative features to respond to their needs, as part of Unit 3/4 Product Design, a Year 12 subject facilitated by Mrs Wheaton-Penniall.

During her acceptance speech, Prue thanked her mum, dad and sister for their ongoing support, as well as the College and teaching community, in particular Mrs Wheaton-Penniall.

“She (Mrs Wheaton-Penniall) is an absolutely incredible and inspirational woman…I’d like to thank her as she’s the one that’s really guided my way in this design,” Prue said.

Prue also motivated the audience and demonstrated wisdom beyond her years, with these parting comments.

“Do what you love and don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t, because you can.”

A true altruist, Prue is sensitive to the needs of others and cares deeply about the environment and social justice. She is a House Captain, member of the College Student Representative Council and also assists refugee students with homework through the College Friday night school program.

She often performs at charity events and enjoys designing and creating things that will help improve the quality of people’s lives.

Ms Karen Jebb, Principal at Genazzano FCJ College commented on Prue’s achievements and the contribution she makes to the College community.

“I am thrilled that Prue has achieved these Pretty Foundation awards.” Ms Jebb said.

“She is an outstanding ambassador for our College and represents all the qualities we encourage in a Gen girl – fidelity, courage and confidence.

“Her ability to entertain and extend herself to help others in caring and practical ways is an inspiration for everyone in our Genazzano Community and beyond.”

The Pretty Foundation focuses on developing a gender parity mindset to empower the ‘next generation of women’, with the belief that girls who are confident in themselves can achieve anything. They aim to drive awareness around body image issues and provide educational tools and resources to encourage girls to develop and nurture a positive body image for themselves and others.

Genazzano FCJ College is a Catholic Day and Boarding School in Kew offering a co-educational Early Learning Centre and all-girls environment from Prep to Year 12. It offers students a rounded education that prepares them to become resilient, adaptable and confident women.