Shining examples of excellence

Three outstanding CBC graduates were acknowledged for their service to the community at the All Ages Reunion in March.

Nicholas Jenkins (’91), Aldo Mendolia (’80) and Ayden Doohan (’12) were joined by more than 120 family, friends, CBC staff and fellow Old Boys to celebrate their remarkable achievements.

It was fitting that the Brother Patrick Kelly Leadership Award for 2019 was presented to Nick Jenkins, whose skill as a leader was obvious in 1991 when he led his cohort as College Captain in Brother Kelly’s final year as Principal.

His passion for sport and service directed Nick towards pursuing a career in education, and only 10 years after graduating from CBC he was appointed Director of Sports at Mandurah Catholic College.

In 2016 Nick’s leadership skills were put to the ultimate test when he was involved in the dramatic rescue of a surfer who was attacked by a shark just south of Mandurah. Nick was in the water when he saw a commotion at his local beach following the fatal attack, and he immediately surfed into shore and took control of the situation. Keeping a cool head during a desperate time, he managed resuscitation attempts and coordinated the rescue effort for almost half-an-hour until the paramedics arrived.

Nick received a gold medallion at the 2017 Surf Life Saving Coastal Bravery Awards in recognition of his valiant efforts that day.

It’s not the first time Nick has been recognised for bravery at the beach. In 2001, he was awarded a Commendation for Brave Conduct from the Governor General in recognition of his rescue of a surfer caught in a serious rip at Secret Harbour the previous year.

Never one to just sit back, Nick is now the director of partnerships at Champion Life, an online initiative that helps students from Years 4 to 6 improve their physical and mental health. His service to the community, strength in the face of overwhelming challenges, and initiatives in the fields of health and sport education continue to be an inspiration for many people, young and old. He is an incredible role model, a true CBC gentleman, and Brother Kelly would be very proud of him.

Another man of the ocean, Aldo Mendolia (’80), was presented with the Community Award, which acknowledges alumni who have demonstrated commitment to service in the community and made a significant positive impact through humanitarian and charitable endeavours. A stalwart of the Fremantle seafaring clan, Aldo played a vital role in establishing and running the annual Fremantle Sardine Festival, which became an iconic event on the port city’s calendar for more than a decade.

In 1999, Aldo and his family diversified their business, which today boasts one of Australia’s most modern salmon and sardine canning factories and is committed to only using locally sourced fish.

For all his life, Aldo has never strayed far from the water, working as a skipper on tourist boats along the North West Coast before returning to Perth to captain a different kind of charter. Aldo now volunteers his skills to captain for Fishabilities – a group that brings the relaxation of fishing to those living with disabilities.

For nine years now Aldo has supported the organisation’s incredible work, taking people with disabilities out on the water to throw a line in while enjoying the benefits of fresh ocean air, the thrill of the catch, and the honour of taking home their cleaned and scaled fish.

Aldo is a shining example of a CBC gentleman, particularly by showing the next generation what it means to provide service to the community while remaining true to your heritage and passions.

The Rising Star Alumni Recognition Award was presented to Ayden Doohan (’12) who is already making a huge difference in the world.

After completing a Bachelor of Commerce at University of Notre Dame, Ayden began volunteering with On My Feet, which is a running programme that seeks to improve the lives of people experiencing homelessness. The 2012 College Captain dedicates more than 20 hours of his free time each week to the volunteer organisation as its Executive Director, managing three unique programmes across seven locations in two countries.

Participants’ first introduction to the organisation is through running and exercise groups, where they are provided with running gear and discover friends, fitness and a consistent routine. Once runners achieve 90% attendance, On My Feet volunteers help connect them with potential employers and education programmes designed to help them find their feet again.

In his Captain’s address to the College ACC Athletics team in 2012, Ayden said, “The successes which we are striving for will be more easily achieved if we are there for each other throughout the day.”

Ayden has clearly taken this same approach to life after graduation, helping both himself and those around him find success through tightknit and passionate teams in both a volunteer capacity and at his day job as an executive analyst at KordaMentha, an Australian advisory and investment firm.

Nick, Aldo and Ayden are inspirational examples of CBC graduates, striving to do their best and overcoming challenges with attitudes and actions based on Gospel Values. Choosing a life of service and respect for the unique dignity of each person they meet, these remarkable Old Boys highlight the diverse achievements of the graduates of CBC Fremantle.