by Bonnie Collings

School captain of Chairo Christian School Drouin's campus, Josiah Wells, achieved an ATAR of 99.6 to register the highest score across West Gippsland schools.

Students across Victoria received their long awaited VCE results on Thursday including hundreds of students at West Gippsland schools.
A total of 47,461 eligible Victorian students were awarded an ATAR this year, with an overall average score of 69.52, a slight increase from the 2023 average of 69.41.
This year saw 4.7 per cent more students receive an ATAR than last year. Across the state 41 students achieved the highest possible rank of 99.95, up from 39 last year.

Chairo Christian School
Josiah Wells achieved an ATAR of 99.6 to be named dux of Chairo Christian School's Drouin campus.
Josiah received the school's year 12 Academic All-Rounder Award and Christian Service Award, as well as the Long Tan Youth Leadership and Teamwork Award.
Principal Judy Linossier commended Josiah for his academic work and dedication to extra curricular activities.
"Josiah's impressive results are testament to his conscientious and intentional approach to studies, consistent hard work and calm and positive manner," Mrs Linossier said.
"He was an exceptional role model to our students, humbly and generously giving of his time and encouraging them to do their very best."
Josiah plans to take a gap year in 2025 to complete the Camp Coolamatong internship program and then study law and science at Monash University.
The class of 2024 at Chairo's Drouin campus achieved a VCE study score mean of 31, with 27 per cent attaining an ATAR over 80.
"We are proud of all our graduating VCE VM and VCE students," Mrs Linossier said.
"They are a delightful group of young people who achieved a wonderful balance between working hard at school and being involved in a range of extra-curricular activities. They will be remembered as being a well-rounded, relational and committed cohort."
Mrs Linossier also commended the teaching staff for their hard work and commitment to supporting students in their learning.

Drouin Secondary College
Dwayne Dawson of Drouin was announced dux of Drouin Secondary College.
Dwayne is hoping to study engineering at Monash University.
Assistant principal Leokardia Lilikakis said students at Drouin Secondary College performed well across a range of subjects including biology, general mathematics, food technology and product design technology as well as seeing an improvement in English scores.
"We've got some really strong results," Ms Lilikakis said.
"We've got some kids who will definitely get their first preferences. We're incredibly proud of them. They've done incredibly well with lots of changes, shown a lot of resilience and perseverance and achieved some great results."

Marist-Sion College
Sidath de Abrew of Drouin was named dux of Marist-Sion College with an ATAR of 89.25.
"I got up at 6.50am ready to access my results," Sidath said. "I got my highest study score in physical education, a subject I commenced late, and I was happy with that."
Sidath hopes to study Bachelor of Information Technology at Monash University in 2025.
Mya Smith of Warragul was named Proxime Accessit, achieving an ATAR of 89.0.
Principal Lisa Harkin said she was proud of all students for the resilience and commitment they had shown to their studies.
"I congratulate all students for their personal efforts and wish them well in the next phase of their journey," Ms Ms Harkin said. "Our students have experienced success over a broad and diverse range of pathways. As a community, we celebrate your success, we acknowledge your effort and we are so proud of your achievements."
Keiren Willis was named VCE VM dux and Vocational Learning Student of the Year Awardee. Kieren excelled in his applied learning pathway and is on his way to become a diesel mechanic.

Neerim District Secondary College
Maddison Brown of Neerim South was awarded dux of Neerim District Secondary College.
Principal Michael Shone said the college was "very proud" of Maddison's achievement.
Maddison is looking into TAFE pathways and Federation University to study allied health and has a particular interest in speech pathology.
Mr Shone said the college was proud of the students' results and performance throughout the year. He said the cohort performed well across subjects in areas of health and human development, physical education, biology and art making and exhibiting.
"Their outcomes reflect the effort and dedication of both the students and their teachers," Mr Shone said.

St Paul's Anglican Grammar School
Indily Francis of Boolarra achieved an ATAR of 98.65 to be named dux of St Paul's Anglican Grammar School.
Indily will study engineering at Deakin University next year, having received the Vice Chancellor's Scholarship and securing a position in her course before VCE results were announced.
"I was really nervous especially the night before, I wouldn't let anyone speak to me about it," Indily said. "When I opened them, I was a bit shocked but super happy. It showed me that I can do it if I put my mind to it."
India Van Berkel of Traralgon was the school's second highest scorer, achieving an ATAR of 97.8 and a perfect study score of 50 in certificate III sport and recreation.
Annalisa Baxter of Warragul was close behind with an ATAR of 96.25 and a perfect study score of 50 in visual communication and design.
In addition to the two perfect study scores of 50 achieved by the Class of 2024, year 10 student Asmi Pathania also achieved a 50 in general mathematics.
Principal Cameron Herbert reported that 44 per cent of the year 12 cohort achieved an ATAR more than 70 and 10 per cent achieved a score higher than 90.
"We're proud of their efforts and wish them all the very best for their future," Mr Herbert said.

Trafalgar High School
Poppy Susa of Traralgon was named dux of Trafalgar High School, achieving an ATAR of 97.95, the second highest score at the school in more than a decade.
She aims to study medicine at Monash University in 2025.
Principal Brett Pedlow said he was proud of the students' achievements and their dedication throughout the year.
"It is particularly noteworthy that one of our SEAL program students, who commenced at Trafalgar High School in year seven, has carried through to year 12 and achieved the prestigious title of Dux. Poppy's remarkable ATAR of 97.95 stands as our second-highest result in over a decade—a testament to her hard work and perseverance."
Connor McKenzie of Warragul received Trafalgar High School's second highest ATAR, achieving a score of 97.65. Connor hopes to study engineering at university.
THS students excelled in a variety of subjects, including mathematical methods and specialist mathematics, physics and biology, legal studies, music and food studies.
The school's median study score was 27 and the mean was 28.
Mr Pedlow reported that 13 per cent of students achieved an ATAR above 90 and 21 per cent achieved a score above 80.
"These outstanding results reflect the breadth of academic success across a wide range of subjects and key learning domains.
"At Trafalgar High School, students are empowered to pursue pathways that align with their interests and strengths, supported by a dedicated team that helps them achieve excellent outcomes," he said.

Warragul Regional College
The dux of Warragul Regional College was Sorcha Cook of Neerim South.
Sorcha is hoping to study science at Monash University or Melbourne University, with a particular focus on genetics.
Principal Nicole Pryor commended the year 12 cohort for their work and determination throughout the year.
"The students have worked hard," Ms Pryor said. "Year 12 is a tough year, and every year our students make us proud."
Ms Pryor said a number of students have already secured guaranteed entry into TAFE courses and apprenticeships and those looking for university placements have achieved the scores they need.
"Every year the students who work really hard, get the outcomes they deserve," she said. "We're always very pleased that our students end up with positive exit destination data."