Greater Geelong region thrives at Premier’s VCE Awards

GEELONG’S highest achieving academics have been recognised at the Premier’s VCE Awards, celebrating their outstanding efforts and achievements amidst the challenges of 2021.

The Greater Geelong region had seven students who achieved award status last week, with students excelling in subjects including Outdoor Education, Physical Education, French, Sport and Recreation, Systems Engineering and Music Performance.

St Joseph’s College students Griffin Brown and Harry Roache, Kardinia International College pupils Jesse McDougall and Rory Clark, Lorne P-12 College student Jack Belsar-O’Connor, Kamran Jaan from Northern Bay P-12 College and Oscar Waring from Belmont High School took home high achiever awards for their dedication to their study.

Kardinia International College student Hong Anh Pham was also recognised in the top three International Students across all schools in the state.

Now living in Hobart studying a double degree of Bachelor of Marine and Antarctic Science and a Bachelor of Science, Griffin Brown was elated that his hard work and diligence had paid off during his study, citing that it was also important to get outside and enjoy life whilst completing Year 12.

“I am honestly so stoked with the result that I got in Outdoor and Environmental Studies,” Brown said.

“I went into my VCE studies knowing if I put my head down in the subjects that I enjoy the most, then it might turn out pretty good, however I was not expecting any awards for my efforts.

“My aim last year was to have a balance of study, surfing and other activities.

“I did my best to enjoy it all despite COVID doing its thing and disrupting everything.

“I also found Outdoor and Environmental Studies really refreshing and felt everything I studied in that subject felt very relevant to my life and the areas that I’ve grown up exploring and caring for.”

Northern Bay Year 9-12 Goldsworthy Campus College principal Erin Prendergast expressed her joy for student Kamran Jaan, who became the first student to ever get a perfect subject study score at the College.

“As a school, we are so proud of Kamran for all his hard work and dedication during his studies in 2021,” Prendergast said.

“His passion for sport and recreation really set him up to succeed in the subject and we believe by surrounding him with some amazing teaching mentors, it only motivated him more.

“It’s a true credit to all involved in his development at the College and we are so excited to continue providing great opportunities for our students to strive for the highest.”

At last week’s awards ceremony, Minister for Education Natalie Hutchins congratulated the state’s top-performing 2021 VCE students for their hard work and dedication, noting that the results were a true testament to the support

of their community, families and friends amidst the challenges of the year.

For the full list of Premier’s VCE Awards recipients, see here www.vic.gov.au/premiers-vce-awards