Students from Whittlesea and Hume were among the tens of thousands across Victoria to receive their VCE results on December 12 – and for some local high-achievers, their top-scores were a “dream come true”.
For Hume Anglican Grammar dux Meron Nona, earning the school’s highest ATAR in 13 years – 99.55 – was a combination of resolute effort and dedication.
“I’m overjoyed that I was able to push myself for the past 12 months and achieve my absolute best, and that is all I could have wanted,” he said.
“The core of my preparation was focused on identifying and working on my mistakes and weaknesses until they became my strengths.”
Meron also received three perfect study scores of 50 in biology, general mathematics and chemistry.
“It is amazing that I am able to make my family, teachers and school proud, and continue to inspire the next year levels and show that this accomplishment is achievable,” he said.
Kolbe Catholic College’s Caleb Katigbak earned the dux title with an ATAR of 98.35.
According to Caleb, the moment was marked by mixed emotions.
“[I’m feeling] mainly satisfaction, excitement and some nervousness about the path ahead,” he said.
Caleb said his secret to success was habitual study, which is something he advises younger students to do.
“Learn how to make deep work a regular practice, remove distractions and you’ll be surprised at how much you can get done,” he said.
Elsewhere, Lalor North Secondary College’s Mansour Belal also made most of an “opportunity of a lifetime to reach for the stars”, according to the school.
Mansour came to Melbourne from Syria, enrolling in the Epping-based school in year nine.
“I had very limited communication skills when I came, but the teachers here believed in me to do my best,” he said.
His best led him to be named the school’s dux.
“This is a dream come true,” he said.
“The school has taught me that with imagination, belief and courage, anything is possible.”
Prealene Khera
