Strive9 – Year 9 Students Decide What Is Worth Speaking Up For
Young people care deeply about the world around them, and we believe they have the power to change it. That is the driving force behind Strive9, our emPOWER project that challenges our Year 9 students to become active citizens, researchers and changemakers.
Through this innovative program, students investigated complex social issues and came up with practical solutions that not only raise awareness but inspire meaningful action.
Where it all Began
The journey began with four powerful questions:
- What do you care about?
- What frustrates you about the world?
- What makes you want to take action?
- What stops you in your tracks and makes you think, “This shouldn’t be happening?”
These questions sparked thoughtful conversations as students reflected on the issues that matter most to them. From environmental sustainability and mental health to homelessness, medical research and social justice, they explored how passion can be transformed into purpose.
Pitch for Purpose - From Ideas to Impact
At the heart of Strive9 is Pitch for Purpose, a Shark Tank-style challenge where teams advocate for an Australian charity making a real difference in addressing a social issue they have researched.
Over 8 weeks, students worked collaboratively to:
- Research a current social issue
- Partner with an Australian charity
- Develop and deliver a compelling six to eight-minute pitch
- Demonstrate how a $1,000 donation could create meaningful impact
- Build confidence through collaboration, leadership and public speaking
The final presentations were held in the College Boardroom, where students pitched their ideas to a judging panel for a share of $1,000 in real funding for their organisation.
Donations were awarded as follows:
- First Place: $500
- Second Place: $300
- Third Place: $200
Learning Beyond the Classroom
Strive9 brings real-world learning to life. Rather than simply learning about social issues, students experience what it means to advocate for change.
Throughout the project they strengthened valuable lifelong skills, including:
- Collaboration – working effectively towards a shared goal
- Critical thinking – analysing complex issues and developing informed solutions
- Leadership – taking initiative and managing responsibilities
- Communication – presenting ideas with confidence and conviction
- Compassion – advocating for others and responding with empathy
These are the capabilities that prepare young women to lead with purpose, courage and heart.
Ellie’s group focused on youth mental health, pitching Zero2Hero as their chosen charity. She shared how the experience strengthened her teamwork and leadership skills.
“It brought me much closer to the people in my group as I learned so many new things about them. I also learned a lot about my issue and how it affects teens every day, which reminded me how important it is to check in on friends and make sure they’re doing okay. Overall, it pushed me to grow, collaborate, and contribute to something with a real purpose, and I’m really grateful for the experience
A Celebration of Service
At its core, Strive9 reflects one of our key Mercy values: Service. Students are challenged not only to understand injustice but to consider how they can make a positive contribution. Through research, discussion and advocacy, they discover the strength of their collective voice and the difference they can make in their communities.
Meet our Judging Panel
This year’s judging panel brought together a wealth of experience from across our College community, including:
- Jennifer Oaten, Principal
- Jayne Kingwell, Deputy Principal, Teaching & Learning
- Jeff Hansen, parent representative, who previously worked with Sea Shepherd
- Chloe Dartnall, 2026 Head Girl
- Alyssa Stipinovic, 2026 Deputy Head Girl
Their thoughtful questions, encouragement and diverse perspectives challenged students to think critically and present with confidence, making for an inspiring conclusion to the project.
Congratulations to Our Winners
First Place: Year 9 Dillon – Rural Aid Australia
Presented by: Abigail, Isabel and Clare
Second Place: Year 9 O’Donnell – Share the Dignity
Presented by: Isabelle, Hanneli and Annie
Third Place: Year 9 Corbett – Ronald McDonald House Charity
Presented by: Zara, Amalia and Mary
Congratulations to all Year 9 students for embracing the challenge with enthusiasm, creativity and compassion. Through Strive9, you have demonstrated that meaningful change begins with curiosity, courage and a willingness to act.
We look forward to seeing how these students continue to make a positive impact in the years ahead.
- Featured, Mercy Values, Pitch for Purpose, Real-World Learning, Service Learning, social change, Strive9, Student Leadership, student social impact projects, Student Voice, Year 9 social impact program
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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