By Callum Ludwig
VCE students around the state eagerly awaited their results on Thursday 12 December after a long year of studying and exams.
ATARs were accessible from the morning and will hopefully open many exciting avenues for all local students, including those of Upper Yarra Secondary College (UYSC)
The Star Mail contacted Year 12 Level Leader Kate Feagan to help celebrate some of UYSC’s top achievers for 2024.
The top four scores at UYSC this year were achieved by Jacinta Tait (College Dux with an ATAR of 86.8), Ameilia Kuth (84.15), Hannah Lindner (81.25) and Talei Whiteside (80.3).
There was a few nerves before the release of results.
(A bit nervous before and excited, after they were released, I was happy to know that I got the ATAR that I needed to get into the course I want to do,” Talei said.
“(I felt) fine, a bit nervous and a bit excited, I was curious, I was happy afterwards because I got the ATAR needed. I have the Monash guarantee, so it was good to know that I had done enough to get that,” Jacinta said.
“It got to the day before and I was like OMG I am going to find out how I went. I was really nervous and anxious. After I was relieved, I knew what I needed for my course and I scored over that so I am feeling confident I will get my first or second preference,” Ameilia said.
“I felt nothing. I wasn’t nervous, maybe a little bit scared because I really had no clue how I was going to go. I thought I was going to get around a 65 ATAR so I was pleasantly surprised,” Hannah said.
All four of the students were proud of their efforts.
“Yes, I am very proud of my year because I was able to successfully balance study and life and get the results I wanted,” Talei said.
“Yeah, I feel really proud. I got the score I wanted to and it has made all the effort that I put in worth it. I am proud of myself for not letting Year 12 and study consume me and finding a good school-life balance,” Jacinta said.
“Yeah, the effort has paid off because in the end, I will get one of my top two choices (Monash or Melbourne). Maybe a little too much stressing but definitely worth it,” Ameilia said.
“Yep of course I am proud. The hard work was worth it. I feel like I put in lots of extra effort this year and it was nice for it to pay off,” Hannah said.
All four have big plans and further study in their futures.
“Hoping to move to Geelong to do Occupational Therapy at Deakin in 2025 and I hope to become a Paediatric OT in the future,” Talei said.
“I am going to do a Bachelor of Science at Monash (Advanced Research) in 2025 and the plan is to continue with my study at get a PHD and do research related to Biology or Chemistry because they are the areas I am most interested in,” Jacinta said.
“Take a gap year and travel, I have a holiday planned to Queensland and I want to study a Bachelor Agriculture at Melbourne and then apply for the Doctrine of Veterinary Medicine. Melbourne University offered me the NARRM Scholarship ($6500 per year towards my degree and a contribution of $20,000 to on-campus living each year). Overall my goal is to become a Veterinarian, specialising in a mix of small and large animals,” Ameilia said.
“Cert 4 in VET Nursing, with a focus on Equine at The Australia College of Applied Animal Studies and also a Bachelor of Equine Business Management through Marcus Oldham. My dream is to run my own riding school and agistment and utilise my skills as a VET nurse,” Hannah said.
All four were grateful to their teachers and people close to them for all their support in a big year.
“I want to thank my teachers for all of the extra support and effort that they put into my education to help me achieve my goals as well as my family,” Talei said.
“I want to thank my teachers, particularly Ms Feagan, Ms Timoney, Mr Thomas and Ms Arnold who helped me navigate Year 12. I also want to thank my parents and friends for their support,” Jacinta said.
“Thank my teachers for all of their help as well as my parents and my partner, Chris for all of their support,” Ameilia said.
“I want to thank my teachers, in particular Mr. Gray for not letting me drop out. I also want to thank my good friend Talei for supporting me from preschool to now and the Year 12 team for their ongoing support and never-ending supply of chocolates during study sessions,” Hannah said.
