By Cade Lucas
A public high school in Hobsons Bay scored a rare trifecta in this year’s ATAR results.
Williamstown High School had three students achieve an ATAR score of 99 or above.
Despite all three achieving scores that would almost guarantee them being named dux at most other schools, two of the students had to settle for spots on the podium, with Charlie Muilet’s score of 99.5 securing him the award.
Williamstown High principal Gino Catalano said the whole school had performed strongly.
“We had some amazing results with 38 ATARs over 90 … 20 of these were over 95,” said Mr Catalano, who made special mention of student, Excelsior Madden, who achieved an ATAR score above 90 while juggling performing arts commitments such as being the lead vocalist in the State Schools Spectacular.
Balancing study with extra curricular activities was also a feature of students at sports school Maribyrnong College.
Among them was soccer player Emily Rutkowski, who achieved a score of 93.85 while being contracted to A-League club Melbourne Victory.
Australian junior taekwondo representative Beau Breceley scored 90.8.
Footscray High School had four students score above 95, 12 over 90, 23 over 80 and 42 per cent of VCE students over 70, putting them in the top 30 per cent in the state.
Ava Harpur was named dux with a score of 97.45.
While pointing out that VCE scores were just one measure of a school’s success, Footscray High’s acting executive principal Jillian English said she was delighted with the results.
“Our learning community supports every student to combine their interests and passions with their studies, encouraging and inspiring students to pursue the career of their dreams,” Ms English said.
Xiao Lynn Chia was named dux of Braybrook College with a score of 99, while Olivia Buttigieg achieved the top score at Altona’s Mount St. Joseph Girls’ College with an ATAR of 98.5.
“ We are incredibly proud of Olivia and her achievements,” said principal Kate Dishon, adding Ayan Owais was named dux of Williamstown’s Bayside P-12 College with a score of 96.55.
