THE waiting game is over for VCE students across the state, with ATAR scores released last Thursday morning after a particularly tough year.
There were many high achievers from the Swan Hill and Gannawarra Shire regions, with Kerang Technical College student Laura Thomas achieving the highest ATAR score by a local student.
Describing the moment she saw her ATAR of 94.6 “surreal”, Ms Thomas said she was shocked but happy with her resylt, and that her family were also excited.
Her English study score was 41, and she also scored well in chemistry, biology and math methods this year.
She completed two year 12 subjects last year, further mathematics and health and human development.
The top achiever hopes to study nutrition and dietetics at Monash University in 2022, and advised next year’s students to find a balance.
“Keep up your sport, keep socialising and do the work – but don’t overwork,” she said.
Ms Thomas also praised the work of her teachers who went “above and beyond”.
“Their care was evident from the amount of work they put in, they were always there for us which was great.”
Another top performer from Kerang Technical College was Caleb Hall who finished off his schooling with a stellar 93.65 ATAR.
Mr Hall studied English, biology, PE, further and methods mathematics and food studies, and received study scores of 41 in English and 40 in PE – placing him in around the top nine per cent of the state.
Another high performer was Alana Hughes who was named dux of Swan Hill College with 93.95, and was in the top percentile with scores in psychology (42) and English (41).
She also studied math methods, biology and chemistry.
Lily Seymour was dux of St Mary MacKillop College with 91.80, and she balanced studies in business management, legal studies, further mathematics, literature, psychology and religion and society, with her work as school captain.
“My highlight of the year was working alongside my co-captains where we were able to organise fun events such as dress ups, year 12 formal and graduation,” Ms Seymour said.
“I am very grateful for my family and friends for their endless support and encouragement during the year.
“I would like to thank my teachers Mrs Watt, Mrs Howison, Mr Haley, Mrs Rogers and Mr Murphy for their support in my VCE journey.”
The bright student plans to study a double degree in law and commerce.
For Cohuna Secondary College dux April Wishart, the ATAR release day was a “pleasantly surprising one”.
The number which she wishes to keep private was higher than she expected.
“I felt a sense of relief knowing my results would allow me to attend the university and course I wish to study,” Ms Wishart said.
“I studied English, further mathematics, biology, health and human development and business management.
“Now that my schooling years have come to an end I look forward to expanding my knowledge in specific areas that will hopefully lead to my future career.
“At this time I’m interested in the areas of dermal science and nutrition science.”
Another student who performed exceptionally, Ebony Chamberlain, is also focused on a career in health.
The Boort District School student received an ATAR of 93.85 with studies in business management, chemistry, English, health and human development, further and methods mathematics.
She scored particularly well in business management with a study score of 43 and 46 in health.
With only two per cent of students getting a score on or above 45, this result is exceptional and sets the aspiring physiotherapist up well for a career in the health sector.
Kristopher Stevens is another dux of the region, and the Tyrrell College captain receiving an early offer to Federation University to study a bachelor of secondary education specialising in health and physical education.
Kerang Christian College dux Kevin Doolan who was another high achiever in the region.
50,723 students will graduate with their VCE in 2021 – with 14,066 others receiving their VCAL.
