Kloe Appleton (Yorke Peninsula)

Kloe has balanced her academic commitments and leadership duties with remarkable efficiency, performing at a high standard academically whilst also overseeing and organising a range of initiatives bringing together students, staff and the local community. From working with other school student leaders to fundraising for childhood cancer, and winning the Copper Coast Council Leadership Award, Kloe has repeatedly demonstrated her commitment to bettering the world around her. Her dedication to self-improvement has been evident in her consistent application of study techniques and feedback in her SACE subjects.

Melody Baldock (Riverland)

As a Senior School Leader, Melody has played a key role in bringing together her school community through a range of initiatives and activities such as fundraising BBQs and Relay for Life. She has also been a strong advocate for lowering the voting age, showing her commitment to civics and citizenship. Melody has also managed her school’s local news broadcast, ensuring that all students remain updated and informed.

Pareena Brar

Pareena is a diligent young person who has used her initiative, proactiveness and dedication to achieve outstanding academic results. In her spare time, she has formed tutorial groups to provide extra assistance to her classmates. A valued member of the school community, Pareena has been approachable and considerate in all interactions with members of the school community. Her community spirit has been evidenced through her many volunteering efforts with the local Indian and wider communities.

Alexander Clark

A Purton Oratory winner, Alex is an accomplished public speaker who has been engaged in debating activities from Year 7 through to Year 12. A Head Prefect, Alex organised and implemented a visit from disability support provider Novita, which involved his peers touring their school by wheelchair to identify accessibility gaps on campus. Alex has demonstrated a deep commitment to the community through various fundraising activities and social justice events, including the Winter Sleepout and White Ribbon Campaign. Alex’s deep ethical understanding and strong sense of community makes him an exemplary role model for his peers and younger students at his school.

Gabriel Cregan

An accomplished mathematician and swimmer, College Captain Gabriel has balanced multiple commitments to achieve personal and learning goals. His considerable development in mathematics, which has far exceeded the level expected of a senior secondary student, has led Gabriel to choose to Mathematics as a career pathway. Gabriel has represented Australia in the Virtus Global Games, is two-time state champion and currently holds 56 state swimming records.

Rithisa Dahal

Rithisa aspires to pursue a career in radiation therapy and has a strong and focused vision for her future in healthcare. During her SACE journey, she has excelled in STEM subjects, including participating in the MASA Mathematics Competition and the NASSSA Math Olympics. Rithisa has won numerous academic achievements and is known for her compassion and supportive nature towards her peers and has passionately celebrated her culture and shared it with her school community.

Nathan Driver (Mid North)

Head Prefect Nathan has mentored younger students, led a Mission Trip to Bali, and coached school sports – all while completing a Certificate III and working at his local supermarket. He is a prolific contributor to his community and plays football and basketball locally. Academically, Nathan has a particular aptitude for Maths and Physics and hopes to pursue to a STEM-related degree at university.

Rachel Files (Riverland)

Head Prefect Rachel’s passion for the humanities has seen her participate in Teen Parliament, excel as a debater and speak publicly at various forums. Her parliamentary speech won her a prestigious scholarship, and for Anzac Day, Rachel presented a well- researched speech highlighting the role of the Women’s Land Army to her local community. She was the CEO of her company during Australian Business Week.

Lewis Gilbert

Lewis was born and lived in Hong Kong until Year 10, when he came to St Peter’s College as a boarder, where he has been studying since. Lewis enjoys basketball, and fitness, including going to the gym. He also plays the piano. In Year 12, Lewis’ biggest challenge was time management - balancing his sport commitments, health and wellbeing, and social life. He plans to study a double degree in Mathematics and Engineering next year. He is interested in a career in science, possibly in aerospace.

Zashka Gunson

Zashka’s academic success spans across creative, scientific and mathematical domains. She was selected to attend the National Youth Science Forum (NYSF) and has subsequently assisted next year’s participants with their funding applications. As Prefect in Years 11 and 12, she has been a role model for her peers and organised various activities to build stronger school connections. As part of her school’s Environment Club, Zashka ran recycling programs and initiatives to reduce energy poverty. In sporting, Zashka holds a SASI scholarship for para-badminton and is a member of the national Para-Falcon badminton squad.

Putsoriyavong (Victoria) Hem

Victoria is a self-disciplined, determined young person who wants to pursue a career in STEM. Studying Math Methods, Physics, Chemistry and Biology in Year 12, she has exemplified her ability to approach complex concepts with a critical and analytical mind. Whilst meeting the high demands of these subjects, Victoria has also been a carer for her brother, who is on the autism spectrum, and worked at her parents’ bakery.

Kevin Hua

An accomplished all-rounder, Kevin consistently embodies the SACE capabilities in all aspects of his academic journey. He has demonstrated a notable commitment to promoting literacy skills among his peers by initiating a wide range of literacy programs at school. Kevin has also been a strong advocate for National Reconciliation Week which has seen him organise events, create educational resources, and work collaboratively with his peers to raise awareness. Kevin contributes to the wider community with a focus on advocating for youth and inspiring younger students. Kevin is a strong leader who has rallied his school community on civic education, digital literacy, and environmental impact. Outside of school, Kevin is involved in Youth Parliament and the UN Youth Council.

Sargunpreet Kaur

Sargunpreet is dedicated to her ambition of becoming a doctor, sitting her Stage 2 Biology exam the day after her family home was burned. Her pursuit of knowledge and excellence has seen her achieve outstanding results in her SACE subjects, as well as the university subjects and Certificate III that she has completed alongside her SACE. Sargunpreet is also an accomplished communicator, and shared her key learning from Activating Identities and Futures (AIF), interwoven with stories of migration, culture, religion and identity to a warm reception at her school’s AIF TED Talk Evening. As part of her AIF journey, Sargunpreet has sought to build shared understandings about Sikhism in Australia to enhance cross-cultural relationships.

James Le

James, who wants to study Medicine at the University of Adelaide, is also a passionate musician. He plays both the flute and the saxophone, and participates in multiple ensembles. James credits his teachers for the integral role they have played in his success during SACE. He is also a keen dancer.

Ebony Lewis

As an Aboriginal student leader, Ebony has shown an innate ability to bridge cultural perspectives and foster inclusive environments within her school community. She organised NAIDOC Week celebrations and has mentored younger Aboriginal students at her school in their transition to secondary education. She has demonstrated exceptional critical thinking through data collection and analysis, which she has used to evaluate communication and process effectiveness across various community service projects such as Project Compassion. Ebony is a skilled communicator who has a particular aptitude for tailoring communication specifically for different audiences.

Xinyi (Cindy) Luo

Xinyi has immersed herself in debating, public speaking and philosophy, participating in the Rostrum Voice of the Youth, Australasian Philosothon and Ethics Olympiad competitions. She was Strings Leader in 2024 and engaged in over seven choirs, bands, orchestras and chamber ensembles. Xinyi has received excellent recognition for her work as an accompanist, including the AMEB Student Accompanist Award, the Collaborative Pianist Award and the Winston Music Finalist Prize in the Geoffrey Parsons Awards – a national biennial competition. Xinyi is committed to supporting others in their musical and creative endeavours and volunteers for the Salvation Army and Uniting Church.

Crystal Manning

Crystal has demonstrated exceptional public speaking skills at numerous events, including ANZAC and Remembrance Day services, Open Days, and College assemblies. Her confidence, humour, and humility captivate audiences, while her honesty and respect ensure her presentations are impactful. Crystal has excelled in guiding peers and writing for the College newsletter and magazine. Her dedication to storytelling is evident in her filmmaking, where she has created moving films that connect deeply with her community. Crystal has consistently achieved high results, showcasing her growth mindset and leadership abilities. Her commitment to inclusivity and community service is reflected in her numerous awards and her role in establishing a new inline hockey club for women in South Australia.

Kahlan Mashford

Kahlan was the recipient of the Vox Populi award at her school, highlighting her commitment to amplifying the student voice through her roles as Vice-Captain and Student Voice Council Executive member. Completing Accounting and Management courses at university during her SACE, as well as a Certificate III in Business, Kahlan has utilised the myriads of learning opportunities available to her, winning a number of awards to reflect her academic, extracurricular and community achievements along the way. Her personal and social capabilities have been especially evident through her participation in the Clean Up Australia Day Event, as well as fundraising for F1 in Schools.

Evan Mewett

As school-based Dux in both Stage 2 Music Explorations and Mathematical Methods while in Year 11, Evan has demonstrated his ability to engage critically across disciplines, approaching both mathematical and musical concepts with precision and creativity. He has participated in national STEM competitions, as well as the Defence Work Experience Program's STEM Immersion Week. As Year 12 Music Captain, Evan mentored younger musicians, coordinated ensemble performances for large-scale community events, and hosted recital nights at school. He also completed a Certificate Ill in Christian Ministry and Theology, and balanced his SACE subjects and VET certificate with an aviation course.

Tooba Mumtaz

Tooba has shown incredible resilience and growth despite facing significant personal challenges. While caring for her younger sister and her father during his terminal illness after the loss of her mother, Tooba maintained high achievement levels in all her subjects and excellent attendance. She remained positive and welcoming, building strong connections even during difficult times. Her academic performance stayed strong, and she achieved impressive results in the University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT).

Orion (Ori) Packer

Orion has held leadership roles throughout his SACE journey, including House Captain, School Vice-Captain and Pedal Prix Captain. In these roles, he has engaged with the school community with compassion, humility and respect. Particularly as Pedal Prix captain, he showed initiative by introducing regular training sessions, increasing involvement from younger students, and applying for sponsorships from local businesses. As an exchange student to Japan, Orion built lasting connections with his host family. He led and organised countless fundraising activities for causes ranging from men’s mental health, poverty, homelessness and refugee support. Orion has supported a family friend, who is a member of the Stolen Generation, to create a family tree to better understand his history.

Lilianna Pourgiezis

Lilianna is hoping to study Medicine at the University of Adelaide. A keen volunteer within and outside of school, Lilianna has a passion for helping people. Ever since she dissected a heart in Year 10 Biology, she has had her own heart set on a career in medicine. As a member of the Wilderness School Student Foundation committee, she helped run school tours for prospective students and their families. As a member of the International Committee, she helped run inclusive events and serve multicultural food to students. Lilianna played social netball and volleyball for her school this year. Prior to Year 12, Lilianna volunteered through a Reading Buddies program for disadvantage students to help them with their reading.

Emily Richardson

Emily is an agile cross-disciplinary student who has excelled in her wide range of SACE subjects and won multiple awards while also serving as School Vice-Captain. A skilled debater and public speaker, Emily has had extensive involvement across a range of other extracurricular activities, including basketball and the Duke of Edinburgh Award. She led her school’s Lent Campaign, aimed at involving the school community in service of a worthy cause, and helped deliver a range of initiatives which raised over $11,000 for the Australian Bragg Centre for Proton Therapy. Emily has also been a member of her school’s Reconciliation Action Plan Committee where she has been a strong proponent of truth telling and the value of embedding Aboriginal history and culture in meaningful ways.

Maram Salim

Maram started her SACE journey at the same time that she started to learn English – quickly excelling in both through her tenacity and hard work. She put in extra effort to bridge her language gap, organising extra time with her teachers to deepen her understanding of content she had been unfamiliar with. Importantly, as Maram advanced, she took time to provide constructive feedback to her peers and encourage them in their own improvement. Despite only having been at her school for a year, Maram has forged strong relationships with her teachers and peers through respect and understanding.

Alexandra Seal

South Australia’s 2024 Young Citizen of the Year, Alexandra is an accomplished scholar and advocate. Her business, Six Spaces, which donates a percentage of profits to charities such as families4families also sees her handcraft polymer clay jewellery. Her advocacy work includes creating globally shared fliers for the Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary/ Congregation of Jesus (BVM/CJ NGO) at the UN and a compelling video for the Mind the Gap movement for UN Women. For her Research Project, Alexandra created a short film for families4families to share with rehabilitation clinics for people and families impacted by acquired brain injuries. Alexandra's leadership and strong sense of social justice have been evident in her roles in the Peace and Justice Group, Environment Committee, and as chair of her school’s UN committee.

James Skelton

James is an accomplished classical musician and scholar with a strong academic record. He has demonstrated exceptional literacy skills through detailed applications for his further studies, and artist performance biographies. James won the ‘Most Promising Wind Player’ award at the Australian Concerto & Vocal Competition, performing two major clarinet concertos from memory. He has also been recognized with the Music Teachers’ Association of SA ‘Grace Barbara Turner Award for Excellence in Performance’ for three consecutive years and was a finalist for the 5MBS Young Virtuoso Awards. As a dedicated musician, James has excelled in SACE Music subjects and national competitions, earning distinctions in piano and clarinet diplomas. His leadership roles as College Captain and Prefect, along with his involvement in co-curricular activities, highlight his personal and social skills. James aspires to pursue a career as a classical musician and has applied to leading music colleges in London. James has completed the HeadStart University of Adelaide course in Human Anatomy and Physiology, achieving High Distinctions.

Angus Smith (Kangaroo Island)

Throughout his SACE journey, Angus has consistently gone above and beyond both in his academic and extracurricular endeavours. Excelling in his SACE subjects through his interest in the content and ability to think critically and creatively about his approach to different assessment tasks, Angus has also taken the time to assist his peers with their understanding of key mathematical concepts. Through his Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award and participation in the Oliphant Science Awards, Angus also displayed a deep commitment to growth, teamwork and leadership. His well-thought out and innovative submission to the Oliphant Science Awards also saw him take the second prize home.

Lev Tarasenko

Lev, who won the Oliphant Award for Scientific Writing, is an expert communicator with a keen interest in STEM subjects. As part of a 6-student team, he built, deployed and monitored a rig located in Port Adelaide River in collaboration with AusOcean. He was selected to attend the South Australia Space School Camp and has also completed a Certificate III in Christian Ministry and Theology. Lev has been a strong leader in his school community, taking on formal roles as Student College Leader and Deputy House Captain, and also worked on a casual basis at his school over school holidays undertaking maintenance and groundswork.

Sophia Tayeb

Sophia, as President of the Student Representative Committee, has played a key role in amplifying student voice at her school and bringing everyone together for shared causes. She led and organised fundraising initiatives for International Women’s Day and R U OK Day, as well as for a school in Nepal. Through her involvement with Anglicare and the SONY Foundation Camp, Sophia volunteered time to care for children and young people with disabilities. She successfully completed two seasons as cox to win regattas and national rowing titles. Sophia has also achieved the Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award.

Joshua Wabnitz

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Benjamin Walkuski

Winning Dux awards for four of his SACE Stage 2 subjects, along with his school’s Gold Medal for excellence across academic, sporting and citizenship domains, Ben is a true all-rounder. His proficiency in his Stage 2 subjects, coupled with his willingness to share his knowledge and expertise with others, has seen Ben become a sought-after peer mentor for his classmates. He also set up a Mathematics support program at his school, and led study sessions for other subjects even during school holidays, demonstrating a deep commitment to education and community. Showing particular insight into how his autism influences his interactions with others, Ben has taken a proactive approach to offering and accepting perspectives, and respecting the autonomy of others. Ben hopes to study Psychology after school.

Chelsea Adams

Chelsea attended the National Youth Science Forum (NYSF) in Canberra and was subsequently chosen to take part in the NYSF Student Staff Leadership Program in 2024 where she will take on the role of the leader of next year’s group of students. Chelsea is a talented singer and performing artist and mentors younger students at Homework Club each week.  She is also studying two university subjects in the field of criminology. Outside of school, Chelsea is a member of the Waite Youth Advisory to Waite MP Catherine Hutchesson and has participated in the Duke of Edinburgh Program and the Commissioner for Children and Young People’s South Australian Student Representative Council (SA SRC).

Rayhana Al Kilabi

Following a serious accident, Rayhana has overcome an acquired brain injury and mild hearing loss to complete her SACE studies to a high standard. Rayhana speaks and writes Arabic well and supports her family and community by translating between Arabic and English. Although English is her second language, her mastery of English is outstanding. Rayhana has a strong sense of social justice and a clear understanding of the importance of ethics.

Amy Anderson

Amy dedicated her summer holidays to a natural curiosity for biomedical sciences by volunteering for the Flinders Cancer Innovation Centre (FCIC) Bowel Health Service. She had previously undertaken work experience at FCIC, where she learnt about a range of fields within cancer research. Amy has also undertaken university studies in Molecular Basis of Life and Hispology. In addition to her passion for medical sciences, Amy volunteered as a tournament official for Golf Australia at the Men’s and Women’s Pennant Finals in July. Amy also works part-time at a bakery where she strives to serve every customer with a smile and genuine care.

Chenuli Sakithma Basnayake

Chenuli has received school awards for excellence in English Literature and Philosophy. She exceeded in the Australian English Teachers Writing Competition with a third place award for her short story on a young boy who has difficulty learning and speaking. The book lover is a talented member of the school orchestra and choir. She plays the viola. Chenuli has volunteered for the Red Cross and planted trees in the Adelaide Hills following the devastating bushfires in 2020. She is hoping to study medicine.

Stella Cozamanis

Stella is a gifted artist. She has worked with staff to develop their professional skills in video editing. As a boarder at her school, Stella took on the role of Boarding House Photographer and has created dozens of films, photo boards, news articles, and related media. Her family originates from England, Greece and the Ngarrindjeri from the Coorong and lower Murray River. After delving into her family history, Stella unearthed a rich tapestry of both her Aboriginal and Greek heritage.  Stella hopes to work abroad, particularly in Greece, and in a wildlife sanctuary in Africa.

Jessica Craig

In 2023, Jessica was engaged by the Norwood Women’s SANFL league and development teams as the club statistician. In this role, she measures key performance indicators for all players. She was the only South Australian student selected to attend the James Cook University Engineering Futures Camp, during which some of Australia’s brightest minds gained access to a camp program designed to inspire the next generation of engineering whiz kids. 

Sienna Daniell (Murray Bridge)

Sienna is interested in pursuing radiography as well as child psychology and this was an area she focused on for her Research Project. She has a passion for sport and team building and she plays and volunteers in roles such as umpiring, coaching, and working in the canteen for her local netball club. Sienna also works at a local chemist and has completed a Certificate II in Pharmacy.

Emma Deering

Emma has undertaken some Year 12 studies while in Year 11 and is currently completing the Headstart Program at the University of Adelaide - a scholarship program giving high-achieving students the opportunity to study at university while still in Year 12 and have these university studies count towards their SACE and selection rank. Emma is involved in the United Nations SA and while in Year 12 reached the final stages of the Evatt Competition, which is Australia’s most prestigious high school Model UN competition. She was among 1000 delegates who competed in the national finals in Melbourne in November and December.

Wendy (Wenshuo) Dong

In addition to her SACE subjects, Wendy has completed a Certificate III in Community Services.  She participates in school ensembles and performances, where she plays the violin and sings. She is involved in many social justice initiatives within the school community, including serving meals, packaging birthing kits, and cooking for the homeless through Fred’s Van. She also volunteers in the junior years OHSC, where she helps organise activities and assists the younger students with their homework.

Mia Eliseo

Her own experience with suffering and recovering from cancer was the stimulus for Mia’s AIF project on how adolescent females’ fertility might be impacted by chemotherapy. She is an advocate for the Childhood Cancer Association (CCA) and Variety Children’s Charity. In 2021, she developed the idea of a fundraiser and hair donation event, ‘Hair with Heart’, at her school in support of the CCA and other organisations. The event has since grown to include a ‘commUNITY’ walk, the morning before the event. Since 2021, Mia has raised over $20,000 and 50 ponytails. In recognition of her fundraising work, Mia received an Order of Australia Student Citizenship Award.

Olivia Harwood

A talented public speaker, Olivia took on the role of MC at the Catholic Schools Music Festival, the premier arts event for Catholic Education in South Australia showcasing the talents of 2000 students who spend seven months preparing for their moment on stage. In her Activating Identities and Futures (AIF) subjects Olivia explored the intricacies of international space law. Olivia is also a gifted musician and, outside of school, is band captain for the Woodville Concert Band.

Keeley Hurst (Gawler East)

In 2023, Keeley lobbied the local community businesses and sporting clubs for donations toward care packages to Catherine House, a not-for-profit organisation that provides accommodation and support services for women experiencing homelessness in South Australia. Keeley volunteers at her local football and netball clubs in a variety of roles, including working in the canteen, providing sales assistance, and acting as scorer and umpire for both senior and junior grades.  

Jesse Isaac

Jesse is an exceptional public speaker and has represented his school at a number of speaking events. He also writes articles for the school newsletter. Outside of school, Jesse is a nationally recognised and awarded field hockey umpire. He has also achieved the highest rank as an Air Force Cadet, and through being an active trainee at Glider Training School, he has also become an assistant training officer and training operations officer, where he mentors, leads and plans activities including airport visits and gliding experiences for junior members.

Caitlin Kalms (Berri)

Caitlin excels in STEM, plans to study biomedicine and is the recipient of a Children’s Week Minister for Education Award for her outstanding academic achievement, community service and student leadership. As a member of the school’s environmental student action team, Caitlin was responsible for regular composting of food scraps for the worm farm and drove awareness of the team’s environmental initiatives beyond the school community.  In addition to her SACE studies, Caitlin tutors Year 11 Chemistry students and has helped raise awareness of the impacts of cancer on people in the community through various fundraising efforts.

Simeen Khan

Simeen is an exceptional mathematician. She has represented the school in a range of STEM initiatives, the most notable being the MASA math competition, NASSSA Math Olympics, and the metro and regional STEMiE showcase. Simeen was also the recipient of a STEM scholarship from the SA Department of Education. Simeen and her family were refugees from Pakistan. She strongly believes that ‘living in the north and being a refugee should not define you, and that everyone has a right to be successful’. Her background has been marked by sacrifice and hardship and highlights the struggles faced by many immigrants in their quest for a brighter future, yet her determination to succeed academically and to pursue her dreams is inspiring.

Jason Lim

Jason has received numerous distinctions in various maths and science competitions. He has taken on a proactive role in leading whole school improvement projects, demonstrated a commitment to growing his own leadership capacity and that of his peers. Jason received a high distinction in the Australian Math Competition this year and Helen Brooke Prize for Mathematics at his school. The Badminton player in his spare time has raised funds for the World's Greatest Shave and the Big Freeze for research into MND and Leukaemia.

Seonghan (Matthew) Lim

A passionate mathematician, Matthew was the top student in the South Australian Math Investigation Competition this year, run by the Mathematics Association of SA. He was also placed first in his school's Math Competition. Matthew volunteered his lunchtimes mentoring middle school children as part of the school's Math's Help Sessions. He has played tennis and soccer for his school and his plans for the future including a career in medicine.

Zoe Lin

Zoe created menus and programs of events for the Food Fiesta for Destiny Rescue and World Vision Program.  Both within and outside of the school, Zoe is involved in multiple fundraising efforts, whether it be raising funds for World Vision, The 40 Hour Famine, Cold for a Cause Day, victims of east coast floods, or church mission trips. She is also a valued member of the school’s concert and stage bands and has won numerous awards in competitions such as the Balaklava Eisteddfod and Generations in Jazz.

Maesie MacGillivray

Maesie received the ZONTA Club of Gawler Women in STEM Award/Scholarship highlights her innovative thinking. As a mentor, Maesie has shown remarkable interpersonal skills, empathy, and the ability to support and guide others. Her involvement in the Senior Concert Band, Securely Found (Christian Fellowship) group, and leadership in a discipleship group reflects her strong social capabilities, teamwork, and spiritual connectedness to others. She has highly developed collaboration skills that allow her to connect effectively with a diverse range of individuals. The challenge of partaking in Snow Venture through Scouts and leading a team of ten Venturer Scouts on an adventure hiking the Overland Track in Tasmania further illustrates her resilience, leadership, and ability to work cohesively in a team setting.

Kye McDonald (Littlehampton)

Kye is a recipient of the ANZAC award, which recognises the core values of respect, resilience and the Anzac spirit. A respectful member of the community, Kye advocates for the establishment of community green spaces, such as the Glebe in Littlehampton, and around his home in the Adelaide Hills. Kye helps to nurse animals back to health when he finds them in need on his property and is proud of his Vietnamese and South African heritage. He ensures he is inclusive of others regardless of social status or ethnicity. He has shared his own experiences of racism to highlight its impacts. Kye plays soccer for the Adelaide Hills Hawks and was also selected for the Hills regional team.

Ashton Monson

Ashton is a compassionate leader and advocate for cultural understanding. He is proud of his culture and has contributed significantly to, and promotes awareness of, his school’s Reconciliation Action Plan. He is a key leader in the school Media Club, which is responsible for recording and live-streaming whole school formal assemblies, and ‘The Show’, a topical and humorous recap of school events, which is live streamed to students twice a term.

Devika Kim Mukherjee

Devika is a gifted debater. She has received the Todd Golding Medal for greatest contribution to the South Australian debating team this year and in 2021. Devika has also been a member of the Australian Debating Team. She has achieved a swathe of school prizes and academic awards including for Legal Studies and Biology. Devika hopes to study medicine, while serving as an Officer in the Australian Army Reserve.

Darren Nguyen

Throughout his senior schooling, Darren has received numerous subject prizes across math and science. The school house vice-captain has also received awards in the Australian Mathematics Competition and the Australian Science Olympiads. A keen badminton and soccer player for his school, Darren also enjoys playing the piano and guitar. He had volunteered to assist those in need through organisations such as Foodbank and took part in a camp as a carer for a child with special needs, which he says was one of his most rewarding volunteer opportunities at school. Darren is hoping to study medicine.

Adrian Niculescu

Adrian is heavily involved in debating, public speaking and policy advocacy. He was selected as one of twelve SA representatives at the 2023 National Schools Constitutional Convention in Canberra and as the recipient of The Advertiser Teen Parliament in 2022, was awarded a $10,000 scholarship. Adrian represented SA in the national finals of the United Nations Youth Voice competition in 2022. He volunteers for a major political party, which includes phone canvassing, booth management and letterboxing, data collection and analysis. He is also the recipient of the Australian Army Cadets SA Brigade Student of Merit. And was selected as the sole SA representative for the SA Army Cadets for the National Tri Service Leadership Summit.

Henry Nitschke

Henry’s dedication and passion for his future study and career goals are evidenced through his extracurricular activities, volunteer work, and personal projects. He received a gold service award for more than 100 hours of community service. This year, Henry volunteered at a War Veterans RSL Care facility. He also worked as a volunteer receptionist at a general practice, and he celebrated his 18th birthday by volunteering at the Variety SA Children’s Party for children with special needs at the Adelaide Zoo. He is also a Country Fire Service volunteer firefighter.

Ruby Pearce

Ruby aims to enter medicine and focused on gender inequity in the medical field for her Activating Identities and Futures (AIF) subject. Ruby also works tirelessly within the greater community to fundraise for charity and those in need and also supports and mentors young burns and trauma survivors at the KIDS Foundation, which supports children who have experienced horrific injuries and trauma.

Aleah Poole

Aleah represented the state in gymnastics at the national gymnastics' championships in 2023.  She has created a range of educational multimedia resources including videos, Instagram posts, TikTok posts, Power point lessons, and interactive quizzes around bullying for middle school students. Aleah has been heavily involved in NAIDOC and Harmony weeks and is a role model for Aboriginal students at the school, which is testament to her ability to inspire others and promote academic excellence.

Tigerlily Santry

Tigerlily aspires to enter the field of mechanical engineering after school. She has a passion for linguistics and communication, as is evidenced in her A+ for Japanese. Through her research of the Japanese language, and the way it has impacted the rapidly changing Japanese society, Tigerlily was able to make connections to her own Aboriginal culture and the significant relationship that exists between languages and ongoing cultural identity.

Melson Shi

Melson has represented the school at Anzac Day ceremonies. He presented to the local council to rally support for a new hockey stadium. Melson has also won the Oliphant Science Award for an inquiry into the iodine clock reaction - an experiment which is renowned for its dramatic and sudden colour change and which is often used to explore the effect of reagent or catalyst concentration on reaction rates. Melson was the only student at the school to complete the Premier’s Reading Challenge during his 13 years of schooling.

Vaughan Stonestreet (Kadina)

With a passion for mathematics, Vaughan started a tutoring business when he was in Year 10. Throughout his SACE studies, Vaughan has tutored a primary student every single week.  Seizing the opportunity to be more valuable and employable, he independently sought and obtained his RSA, which allowed him to take on extra responsibilities at his part-time workplace. Vaughan participates in the MASA quiz nights each year, and has always won either best maths team, or best overall team.

Max Thomas

As well as being an accomplished musician, especially on the trumpet, Max has represented Australia in debating. In 2023, he was voted best mooter at the Bond University National Mooting Competition, and while in Year 11, Max was accepted to the Apollo Fellowship - a summer program in the UK designed to teach debating skills and complex concepts relevant to the present and future of humanity, across a wide variety of philosophical and technological issues, including artificial intelligence, long-termism and existential risk, utilitarianism and more.

Lachlan Tripodi

In the after school ‘Homework Club’, Lachlan mentors students from Years 6 to 12 in a wide range of subjects. He designed and ran his school’s Blue Week, which helps raise awareness of men’s mental health, including depression and anxiety, through activities that help create positive change in how students approach mental health, encouraging them to check in with others and reducing the stigma attached to asking for help.  He has volunteered for a range of initiatives including SA School Sport Disability Soccer World Cup days, the Loreto Pink Day assembly, and Vinnie’s Men’s Crisis Centre Morning and Lunch BBQs.

Olivia Turner

Olivia was a state finalist in the National History Challenge for the category ‘Australian Wartime Experience’. This involved researching and writing an essay analysing different experiences women faced in WWI and the Vietnam War. A keen debater, Olivia won the First Year Flinders Mooting Competition and volunteers as a debating coach at the school, for the Year 7 and Year 12 teams. She is also a member of the Commissioner for Children and Young People’s Advisory Panel and the SA Student Representative Council. Olivia has also volunteered at WOMADelaide.

Keagan Wallace

Keagan has published the book, ‘A Crash of Rhinos’, to raise awareness and support conservation of the black rhino in Africa. He is an ambassador for international campaign ‘Read to me Day’ which encourages children to remind adults to read to them. Keagan has been selected as a United Nations Youth Voice South Australian delegate for three years running. In 2022, he was the keynote speaker at a Young Changemakers conference in SA. He is a youth member of the Australian Red Cross Leave it to Z Project Steering Committee and earlier this year he participated in a voluntary trip to Indonesia with the Overseas Specialist Surgical Association of Australia Inc to provide surgical and reconstructive rehabilitation services for children and disadvantaged people.

Ruby Wallace (Mount Gambier)

Ruby demonstrates a deep understanding and command of language and excels in all forms of literacy actively. She assists her peers and younger students in enhancing their literacy skills. Her Research Project focused on the effectiveness of prisons in rehabilitation and reducing recidivism, and her association with AC Care gave her unique insights into the lives of prisoners and those recently released. She is a keen up-cycler and up-cycles much of her own clothing. She contributes to the ‘Recycled Runway’ fundraiser organised by AC Care for local homelessness services.  As well as completing her SACE subjects, Ruby has completed two university courses.

Hayley Wilkinson 

Hayley participated in the National ABC Titration competition and the International Chemistry Quiz. She organised a teacher talent show and always includes special education students in group projects to ensure their voices are heard and they participate in various activities. She often coaches junior volleyball and teaches choreography to younger and older members of her local dance studio and has volunteered at the Vinnie’s Women’s Shelter to decorate and remodel a children’s play space.

Maddie Wirth (Robe)

In addition to her SACE studies, Maddie is an active member of the Robe community, where she participates in pilates, the run club, and plays netball for the Robe Netball Club. She has also been involved in the surf life-saving club, Kingston and Millicent basketball clubs, yoga, dance, and calisthenics.  She works at a local restaurant, babysits, and volunteers at the childcare on wheels service.  As a result of her community involvement and spirit, and in addition to her academic success, Maddie was the recipient of the 2023 Robe District Council Young citizen of the Year Award on Australia Day.

Mia Worth 

For her Research Project, Mia developed a website to address the discrimination faced by Asian students in schools, in particular the stereotype of Asians being academically successful. Beyond her academic studies, Mia is actively involved in Tournament of Minds. She mentors younger students in the STEM category, sharing her passion for girls to develop an interest in the science and mathematics field. Mia is also the recipient of the ADF Future Innovators Award 2023, which recognises recipients’ science and mathematics abilities while highlighting the value the Navy, Army and Air Force place on STEM skills and STEM career opportunities within Defence. She also received a Governor’s Civics Award in 2022 and attained her Duke of Edinburgh International Gold Award in 2023.