Mirella Busso-Lee today bid farewell to Parade College and the Old Paradians’ Association, having been central to the association’s substantial growth over the past eight and a half years.

Employed by the College to assist the association on the recommendation of her cousin and former OPA committeeman Rob Cugno, Mirella accepted what was then a seven-week term as secretary to CEO Tony De Bolfo.

But she stayed on, contributing significantly to the Old Paradians’ Association’s workings from August 2011 through to the present. These years took in the OPA’s Centenary Dinner, which attracted almost 400 guests to the RACV City Club in 2014, and its Encore celebration of Parade College Musicals, which attracted as many to the iconic Athenaeum Theatre last year.

The Annual High Tea, specifically targeting Parade’s considerable female community, was an initiative of hers.

Last Friday, Mirella was farewelled at a lunch attended by Association committeemen John Abrahams, Paul Evans, Andy Walsh and Rob Cugno. This morning she was farewelled at a morning tea convened by the College.

In reflecting on her time, Mirella expressed her gratitude to the Old Paradians’ Association and Parade for the wonderful experiences along the way and for the opportunity “to significantly contribute to a great community”.

“I wish to thank everyone connected with the Old Paradians’ Association and Parade College for the support given to me these past eight and a half years. I am very proud not only of my achievements but of how the Association has grown during my tenure,” Mirella said.

“Although I was the only female amongst the Association’s governing body, I feel a real part of the community and believe that I bleed purple, green and blue and I am an Old Paradian.”

The Old Paradians’ Association wishes to place on record its sincere appreciation to Mirella for all that she has done to further the cause of the Alumni, and to wish her every success for the future.