On Tuesday, February 8, FCJ College held its Dux Assembly, where Year 12 students from 2021, who scored the highest study score in each subject, were acknowledged by the whole school community for their outstanding efforts.
This year was a little different because of COVID-19 restrictions with the college unable to host its popular luncheon.
Therefore, Dux recipients, joined by their families, gathered in the FCJ College Multi-Purpose Hall for an assembly.
Principal Shaun Mason said the assembly was live-streamed to the rest of the students back in their classrooms at FCJ College.
He congratulated all students, highlighting the success of VCE Dux, Joshua Cui, and runner-up Amber Ragg along with VCAL Dux Blake Booker, and praised them for their commitment and persistence.
Mr Cui, Dux with an ATAR of 91.5, also addressed the community and passed on some of his strategies and tips that he believes assisted him during last year.
“It's my big honour and privilege to be invited back to talk to you,” Mr Cui said.
“I have to acknowledge and give credit first of all to the larger educational environment that is the Australian society and our lovely rural town Benalla.
”Three years ago, my stepfather, an academic at Monash University, brought me and my mother to Australia as new immigrants.
“This completely new setting helps me shake off the didactic, restrictive and even suppressive nature of the Chinese Communist education system.
“After retiring from Monash University, my stepfather quickly moved us from the busy and noisy Melbourne to this peaceful rural town, where people are so friendly and so respectful to each other.
“After joining FCJ College, I continue to receive great help and encouragement from teachers and classmates.
“So, despite the language barrier, I feel highly motivated to study hard in this new world.
“Sometime after we moved to Benalla my stepfather came across an inspiring report by Benalla Ensign editor, Simon Ruppert about Ms Willow Plex being named Dux of Benalla P-12 College for that year.
“By sheer coincidence we later bumped into the then Benalla Mayor Danny Claridge and his big families at a local Chinese restaurant, and we found out Ms Plex was the mayor’s granddaughter.
“In any case, my stepfather encouraged me to emulate Ms Plex’s achievement. I hence privately set my goal to be Dux of the FCJ in due course.
“...I am happy to start my next adventure at university soon, but I also feel sad to leave this place that has been so familiar and comfortable, and filled with plenty of fond memories.
“FCJ College has laid a good and solid foundation for my years to come.”