Haylee comets to top of the class at SCSC

HAYLEE Heard, 18, is this year’s dux of Surf Coast Secondary College, with her hard work and commitment to study earning her a scholarship at Melbourne University.

Studying three Year 12 subjects in 2017 – including food studies, legal studies and maths methods – gave Haylee a glimpse of VCE pressure.

Overwhelmed by her VCE result, Haylee said she was relieved she received the ATAR she wanted.

“I’m very happy, but I’m a little bit glad it’s over,” she said.

“I wouldn’t say I was expecting a high score, but I was very hopeful. Completing three VCE subjects last year made me realise the work you put in will be what you get out of the experience.”

Taking on a new study load this year and juggling Year 12 physics, English and Australian politics, Haylee was glad she selected subjects she knew she would enjoy.

“I like a bit of everything, and each subject has its perks,” she said.

“My favourite this year was probably Australian politics.”

It hasn’t been an easy road for the college dux and her family, having been involved in a serious car accident in 2011 which left her, her parents (Nicol and Murray) and two brothers (Billy and Paddy) with severe and lasting injuries.

Two years later, the family suffered another devastating blow.

Their youngest, Paddy, passed away from a rare brain virus. He was just five years old.

Experiencing such life-altering hardship has been testing for the Heard family, but their unity, strength and support for one another has proven to be a driving force in Haylee’s outstanding VCE success.

“Everyone is so happy for me. It’s been really comforting,” she said.

“My family and friends knew how hard I worked and now that the results are finally out, it’s really reassuring. VCE is something you’re really not sure of until the end.”

With her scholarship waiting to be accepted, Haylee is hoping she will get an offer to study science at Melbourne University early next year.

“I change my mind all the time because it’s so hard to choose. I’d love to do a PhD and be a doctor of something!”