FOR the region’s top Year 12 students, results day last Thursday brought a mix of nerves, surprise and quiet pride, and for many, a moment to pause before the next chapter begins.
Greater Shepparton Secondary College dux Jaye Ennis said the reality of her result took time to sink in after a morning of missed calls from Executive Principal, Barbara O’Brien.
“I didn’t even see the call at first — I was making breakfast,” she said. “When I saw a message asking me to call back, I thought maybe it was something like top five. I definitely wasn’t expecting dux.”
Jaye, who completed her entire secondary schooling a GSSC, achieved an impressive ATAR of 89.5. Looking ahead, she plans to study law in Geelong next year, describing the move away from home as “a bit nerve-wracking”.
“I’ve lived in Shepparton forever, so it’s a big change,” she said. “I don’t know anyone going with me, but I think it will be a good opportunity.”
Notre Dame College dux Luke Martin also described results day as a whirlwind, saying it still hadn’t fully sunk in.
“It honestly doesn’t feel real yet,” he said. “After a good night’s sleep, it probably will.”
Luke, who achieved a 95.5 ATAR with his strongest study score in theatre studies, said being involved in the school’s annual productions was one of the highlights of his schooling.
“That’s one of the best parts of Notre Dame,” he said. “Being part of the productions every year was really special.”
He encouraged future VCE students to find genuine interest in their subjects.
“If you love what you’re learning about, it doesn’t feel like work,” he said. “Give yourself time to process things — you don’t have to absorb everything all at once.”
Looking ahead, Luke wants to study a Bachelor of Arts at the University of Melbourne.
St Anne’s College dux Charlotte Seddon said she was getting ready for work when she remembered results were due.
“I was getting ready for work, and I just kind of remembered, oh right, the results are coming out today,” she said. “My [younger] brother’s first reaction, was, ‘I guess I’ve got to beat that next year,’” she said with a laugh.
Charlotte scored an outstanding 86.9 ATAR and intends to stay local to study secondary education at La Trobe University Shepparton, a choice she made deliberately.
“It’s nice to be in a familiar place while doing unfamiliar things,” she said.
She credited supportive teachers and collaboration with friends as key to her success.
“Don’t try and do it alone,” she said. “We studied together, helped each other — it was never a competition for us.”
Reflecting on her journey, Charlotte said she would remind her younger self that setbacks don’t define the outcome.
“The hard times are temporary,” she said. “You don’t have to be perfect — just trust yourself and the people supporting you.”
