Character
The Cameron Cup
Awarded to the student who best exemplifies the College motto — Unity, Christ and Learning. It is one of the highest honours a JPC student can receive: a recognition of character above all.
All Alumni Stories
She Didn’t Just Learn Our Motto
She Didn’t Just Learn Our Motto
She Lived It
Sam To · Tô Huệ Anh
She arrived from Vietnam in Year 8. She left as College Vice Captain, a Cameron Cup winner, with a scholarship to study Law. This is the story of Sam To (Tô Huệ Anh).
Year 8
Arrived From Vietnam & Never Looked Back
Vice Captain
A Leader of Her Cohort
Cameron Cup
Best Exemplifies the College Motto
Law · QUT
On Scholarship to Study Law
The Journey Begins
A New Student From Vietnam, in Year 8
Sam arrived at John Paul College from Vietnam in Year 8 — a new country, a new language and a new school, all at once. She would go on to experience almost the whole of JPC secondary school, from those first uncertain weeks to the stage on Speech Night.
Over five years she grew into one of the most respected students in her cohort: a scholar, a leader and, as her College put it, someone who gave a great deal to everyone around her. This is where that journey led.
Unity · Christ · Learning
The John Paul College motto — the standard Sam grew to embody
Speech Night · receiving the Cameron Cup
Living the Motto
Unity, Christ and Learning — Not Words, but a Way to Be
Every John Paul College student learns the motto — Unity, Christ and Learning. Very few come to embody it the way Sam did. That is exactly what the Cameron Cup recognises: the one student who, above all others, best exemplifies what those three words mean in daily life.
For an international student who began her journey in Year 8, to be chosen for that honour speaks volumes — about her character, her faith in others, and the quiet, consistent way she lifted the people around her.
On Speech Night
Two Great Honours, One Remarkable Student
Sam left the stage that night holding two of the College’s most meaningful awards — one for who she is, and one for what she achieved in the classroom.
Scholarship
The Dennings Family Prize
Awarded for excellence in Legal Studies — the subject that lit the way to her future. It is the academic honour that pointed Sam toward a career in the law.
A Leader of Her Cohort
More Than Study — a Gift to Her Community
As College Vice Captain, Sam gave herself to the people around her — her peers, her cohort and the wider College community. Her Director of International said it best.
“As an international student who started your journey in Year 8, you have experienced most of John Paul College secondary school — and you have contributed immeasurably to your peers and your cohort. You have given a lot to our community.” David Ferguson · Director of International, John Paul College
College Vice Captain
Chosen to lead — and to represent the values of the whole College to students, families and staff.
A Gift to Her Cohort
She lifted the people around her every day, contributing “immeasurably” to her peers over five years.
Servant Leadership
This is what our students learn to do: to give back. Sam grew in confidence — and helped others grow too.
Five Years, One Rising Arc
Sam’s Journey at John Paul College
From a new student in Year 8 to Vice Captain on Speech Night — follow the arc that took Sam from Vietnam to a Law scholarship, each step supported by teachers who knew her name.
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Year 8
Arrival
Sam joins JPC from Vietnam — a new country, a new school and a fresh start.
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Years 8–10
Finding Her Feet
She settles into secondary school, builds friendships and grows in confidence year on year.
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Senior
Legal Studies
A love of Legal Studies takes hold — the subject that would shape her future.
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Year 12
Vice Captain
Chosen as College Vice Captain — a leader and role model for her cohort.
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Speech Night
Two Honours
The Cameron Cup and the Dennings Family Prize for Legal Studies.
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2025
Law at QUT
Graduates on a scholarship to study Law at the Queensland University of Technology.
In Her Own Words
Watch Sam’s Story
Sam sits down with David Ferguson, Director of International, to reflect on five years at John Paul College — and what comes next.
The Cameron Cup, in the words of her College
- Unityshe brought people together
- Christshe led with care for others
- Learningshe excelled, and lifted her cohort
What’s Next
A Scholarship to Study Law at QUT
Sam graduates from Year 12 on a scholarship to study Law at the Queensland University of Technology — carrying with her the character the Cameron Cup recognised, and the love of Legal Studies that earned the Dennings Family Prize. Her university pathway began with the right senior subjects, chosen with her teachers.
A Career in Law
From a Speech-Night prize for Legal Studies to a university law degree — the pathway Sam dreamed of, now within reach.
On Scholarship
Her scholarship to QUT is a mark of everything she achieved at JPC — academic excellence recognised and rewarded.
Character That Travels
The values behind the Cameron Cup — unity, faith and a love of learning — go with Sam wherever her career takes her.
You have contributed immeasurably to your peers and your cohort. You have given a lot to our community.
David Ferguson · Director of International · to Sam To, Class of 2025
Your Child’s Journey Can Start Here Too
Sam arrived in Year 8 with a new language and a big future ahead, and leaves for university a Vice Captain, an award winner and a scholarship recipient. From the first day to the final stage, John Paul College supports international students at every step.