Year 12 students across the Goulburn Valley faced a pandemic and floods in their final years of school but on Monday their hard work paid off as VCE results were revealed.
With an ATAR of 99.75, Goulburn Valley Grammar School dux Anna Howell exceeded her own expectations and the score she needed for her dream course — a Bachelor of Science at Melbourne University followed by a Masters of Engineering.
“We all started crying — I was surprised, shocked, so relieved but happy at the same time,” she said.
“I was so nervous, I was there waiting to press the button.”
Ms Howell said the year with the floods had been “hectic”, particularly as she lived in Benalla.
“My last week everyone was at school and I had to stay at home; I wasn’t able to get to school for my final assembly, so that was a bit disappointing,” she said.
“I really enjoyed Year 12, it’s been my favourite year — even with all the challenges.”
More than 89,000 Victorian students received their results on Monday, with 49,581 students graduating VCE — a completion rate of 98 per cent.
A further 15,163 students graduated VCAL, which was a six per cent increase on 2021.
Notre Dame College dux Alexandra Trebley said she was “really shocked” with her result, 96.85.
“Me and Mum jumped up because I really couldn’t believe it, I wasn’t expecting it at all,” she said.
“I was aiming for 90, to get into my course — I want to do law and criminology.”
With such tumultuous final years of school, Ms Trebley said receiving their results was a “good reward” for the hardships the Class of 2022 had faced.
Greater Shepparton Secondary College’s Isabela Bace said she was still processing her score of 90.05.
“Happy is really the only word I can think of to explain it,” she said.
“I was kind of shocked — I didn’t expect it.”
The 7am release time meant she went around and woke up her family members to tell them the news.
“Ma was shocked, but everyone was happy,” she said.
Her score has set her up well for her hope to study law and commerce online at Deakin University.
Online because, “I don’t want to leave here yet; I don’t think I can leave everyone,” she said.
William Geerling from Shepparton Christian College achieved more than he was aiming for with his 89.6 result.
“I was very happy,” he said.
“I just needed a 70 for my course so it was a lot more, which is good — the plan is to study business at RMIT.”
Mr Geerling brought his mates along for the media opportunity with The News and said they were his inspiration.
“It’s not the destination, it’s the friends you make along the way,” he said.
This year students who were significantly impacted by the floods were able to apply for derived exam scores if needed, a move designed to reflect the level of achievement expected based on assessment results during the year.