By Ethan Benedicto
As ATAR scores were released on Monday 11 December, Hampton Park Secondary College saw 21 graduates attain a score of 80 or above.
Additionally, 87 per cent of the graduating body also attained ATAR scores above 50, something Sally Carruthers, the college’s cultural diversity and community engagement coordinator, said was a “testament to the college’s dedication to nurturing not just academic but holistic growth as well”.
According to Better Education, the college achieved a median VCE score of 29 out of 50, which is an improvement from their previous four years which sat at 27, and before that moved between 24 and 26 between 2012 and 2018.
“As the college celebrates these remarkable accomplishments, it acknowledges the hard work, determination, and resilience displayed by each student throughout their academic journey,” Ms Carruthers said.
Leading the cohort was Jessica Dekazos who secured an ATAR of 96.35, intending to get into biomedical science at Monash University.
However, this was a feat that she didn’t think she was capable of, but according to her was achieved by “trying my best and believing in myself”.
“I was happily surprised and shocked, I did not expect to do that well,” she said.
Joining the ranks of high achievers was Foo Souye Chan, who scored an ATAR of 96.00.
“When I first saw my ATAR, I was shocked and I couldn’t believe it, but I was very relieved.
“I achieved what I did with the support and help of my teachers, friends and my family,” Ms Chan said.
Raymond Ly was another high achiever, achieving an ATAR of 90.65 with which he hoped to study a bachelor of commerce and biomedical science at Monash University.
“I believe I achieved the scores I did by attempting to improve myself after each assessment and after being provided feedback,” Mr Ly said.
Ms Carruthers said the exceptional results were a reflection of a collaborative effort by the students, teachers and the support they gained from the local community.
“The outstanding results are a testament to the commitment of the educators, the support of families, and the dedication of the students themselves,” she said.
For her, the success of the Year 12 high achievers was a source of pride for the college, where the institution looked forward to witnessing the continued success of its graduates in their future endeavours.