At Marian College year 12 graduate Alicia Patterson is the first of two recipients - the other has not been awarded and will not be awarded until next year's opening mass.

Alicia has made a large contribution to Marian College in the area of Leadership. She was elected to the position of class captain in both years 10 and 11 and was awarded the role of School Captain in Year 12.

She demonstrated her talents in her representation of the school in the Mind Matters seminar in Canberra in 2012 where she spoke well to a large auditorium.

Alicia was also a 2013 finalist in the Lions Club Youth of the Year quest and has been noted as an excellent role model for the junior students.

Away from the classroom she has been a regular participant in school sporting events and has been a part of the school's netball team every year from 2008 through to 2013.

She has always participated in both the athletic and swimming carnivals and was rewarded for Academic Excellence for her achievements in English Literature, Health and Human Development and Physical Education.

Major General Paul Brereton, Head of Cadet, Reserve and Employer Support Division has congratulated the students on their awards.

"To have so many young Australians recognised by their schools for contributing to their local community and demonstrating leadership qualities is outstanding," he said.

Students in years 10 and 12 were recognised with awards of $250 and $550 respectively, along with a certificate of merit designed to highlight the achievements of these young leaders.

The Awards began in 2006 and seek to encourage leadership and teamwork among school-aged students as integral parts of their personal development and their contribution towards enhancing community spirit within both the school and the broader community.

The awards also seek to raise the awareness of the ADF throughout the Australian community.