Celebrating Fatima Horta: Mercy Award Winner
At Santa Maria College, our community is built on the dedication, love, and unwavering commitment of individuals who go above and beyond every single day. One such individual is Fatima Horta, a beloved staff member whose journey with the College is nothing short of extraordinary. Fatima’s unwavering commitment to the College and its community has earned her the well-deserved honour of being one of the inaugural winners of the 2024 Mercy Awards. Fatima was nominated in the category of Hospitality.
A Journey That Began Almost 50 Years Ago
Fatima’s story with Santa Maria College began nearly 50 years ago when Sister Consilii offered her a job to replace a staff member who was leaving. Initially working alongside the Sisters in the kitchen, Fatima quickly became an integral part of the College community. For her, Santa Maria College is not just a workplace; it is her second home, a place filled with the warmth and camaraderie that one would find with family. Over the decades, Fatima’s love for the College has only grown stronger, and it’s a sentiment deeply felt by everyone who has had the pleasure of knowing her.
A Day in the Life of Fatima
Fatima’s day starts long before the sun rises. Often the first person to arrive at the College, she begins her morning by cooking breakfast for the boarders – a task she takes great pride in. Her work doesn’t stop there; after ensuring the boarders are well-fed and ready for their day, Fatima shifts her focus to looking after the staff, setting up for College events, and even caring for the College Chapel. Her role is as varied as it is demanding, yet Fatima approaches each task with the same level of care and dedication.
 A Legacy of Love and Hospitality
As Fatima prepares to celebrate 50 years of service at the College in January 2025, it is clear that her impact goes far beyond her job description. Fatima has been a constant source of warmth and positivity in the College community. She greets everyone with a smile, a wave, or a friendly “hello”, making it her mission to brighten the day of every person she encounters. Her belief that “If everyone did that, it would make the world a much better place” is a testament to her kind-hearted nature and her unwavering commitment to spreading joy.
The Mercy Award: A Reflection of Her Humility
When it was announced to staff that Fatima was one of the 2024 Mercy Awards winners, the staffroom erupted in a standing ovation, a clear indication of how much she is loved and appreciated. Yet, in true Fatima fashion, she humbly insists that she is just doing her job. While the award holds great significance to her, it also serves as a reminder of the profound impact she has had on the College community.
A Source of Inspiration
Fatima’s journey at Santa Maria College is not just a story of longevity but one of unwavering dedication, compassion, and love. She has witnessed many changes over the years, yet she remains a constant pillar of support and kindness. Fatima’s pride in her work and her identity as a Mercy woman is evident in everything she does, and the College is truly blessed to have her as part of its community.
As we celebrate Fatima Horta, we are reminded of the incredible power of love, humility, and service. Her story is an inspiration to us all, and her legacy will undoubtedly continue to shape the Santa Maria College community for many years to come.
- FatimaHorta, Featured, Hospitality, Legacy, MercyAward, StaffRecognition
Author: Santa Maria College
Santa Maria College is a vibrant girls school with a growing local presence and reputation. Our Mission is to educate young Mercy women who act with courage and compassion to enrich our world. Santa Maria College is located in Attadale in Western Australia, 16 km from the Perth CBD. We offer a Catholic education for girls in Years 5 – 12 and have 1300 students, including 152 boarders.
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