Catholic school students recognised in 2026 Lester Prize Youth Awards

Several young artists attending WA’s Catholic schools have been recognised in the 2026 Lester Prize Youth Awards.

The Lester Prize Youth Awards celebrates the unique way young artists see the world, through the faces and stories of the people around them. Portraiture offers an immediate and powerful connection between artist, subject and audience, and for many students it becomes a meaningful way to explore identity, relationships and belonging.

The students receiving recognition were:

• Bailey from CBC Fremantle, High School Prize Joint Winner
• Miriam from John XXIII College, Year 7-8 Highly Commended
• Ella from Sacred Heart College, Finalist
• Charlotte from Corpus Christi College, Finalist
• Mathilda from Mercedes College, Finalist
• Bella from Mother Teresa Catholic College, Finalist

Charlotte said:

“Being recognised and considered for my art by the Lester prize was a wonderful honour, I feel very grateful I was given an opportunity to share my work and have other people from the art community view it.” 

Asked about how Corpus has nurtured her passion for art, Charlotte added

“My passion has been nurtured by the lovely art department and its staff, particularly over the past year I’ve been assisted on my journey by Ms K Versluis, Dr Delgado and Mr T Bly. They continue to answer my trickiest questions, inspire me to continue creating and build an environment where I can do so.” 

Miriam said:

“It was a surprise and an honour to be recognised as a finalist in the Lester Prise Youth Awards. Attending the Awards night with my family was amazing, given the selection of artists and dignitaries present. I was not expecting to get an award recognition and was just happy to have my artwork on display.”

She added:

“My passion for art has been nurtured at John XXIII College primarily through the support and encouragement of the art teachers. I have also had great opportunities to expand and grow my skills through the variety of art electives that the College offers. The annual College Art Exhibition is a highlight for art students to showcase the artwork they have created, both inside and outside of school, and is something I am looking forward to this year.”

Corpus Christi College Principal, Jeff Allen congratulated Charlotte saying:

“This is a remarkable achievement and a testament to your creativity, dedication, and artistic skill. Your success reflects both your commitment to your craft and the strength of the Visual Arts program at the College. You should be very proud of this achievement and we look forward to seeing where your artistic journey takes you next.”

Sacred Heart College Principal, Leo Di Gregorio said:

“Congratulations, Ella, on receiving this prestigious Art Award. Your artistic talent is obvious, and we have enjoyed seeing your skills develop during your time at Sacred Heart College.

Mathilda said:

“Having my artwork recognised at the scale that it has been is an incredible honour that I never could have expected. Initially, I was quite overwhelmed by the idea of having a portrait of myself viewed on a large scale, especially considering the rather personal meaning behind the piece of my fear of speaking up in the pursuit of opportunity. Realising that I’d be contradicting myself by deflecting the exposure, I’ve learned to embrace my achievement that started as just a school assignment. The experience of being selected as a Lester Youth finalist has reminded me of the importance of putting yourself, or in some cases your feelings, out there as it can lead to unexpected and incredible beginnings.

“Up until only recently, I had never considered myself particularly passionate about creating art, though I had always admired other artists and their ability to preserve sacred stories and express their feelings in such beautiful ways. Throughout the creation of my piece, I received unwavering support from my teacher, Mrs. Fitzgerald. Her guidance, feedback and artistic insights helped me to develop a portrait that too told a story and was embedded with undercurrents of emotions in ways I had once admired in other artworks.

“More than anything, Mrs. Fitzgerald made me realise that I was capable of creating meaningful art, igniting my infatuation of expressing human nature in a medium that had proven to transcend time.”

Dr Lucie McCrory, Mercedes College Principal said Mathilda’s work reveals a beautiful and compelling ability to express what often sits beyond words.

“There is both honesty and courage in artistically revealing the tension between what is felt and what can be said. Your willingness to embrace vulnerability, grow and share your perspective reflects expansion of confidence and maturity.

“It has been especially meaningful to hear how your experience at school, supported by thoughtful teaching, has helped you recognise your capacity to create work of depth and significance. Your selection as a Lester Youth finalist is a well-deserved acknowledgment of you living the College Vision, to Aspire Excel Lead. Congratulations.”

The Lester Prize Youth Awards exhibition is held in the Old Goal building at the Western Australian Museum Boola Bardip from 24 April to 19 July 2026.