Twenty-three students will receive a top all-round VCE high achiever award, which recognises those who achieved study scores of 46 or higher out of 50 in at least five VCE subjects.
“These award winners are testament to how Victorian students can thrive with support from their teachers, school communities, families and friends,” Premier Jacinta Allan said.
Annameike Cozens on the family farm with her shiny new tractor.
Education Minister Ben Carroll congratulated the cohort, especially those six awarded the new vocational student award.
“It’s exciting to see such a diverse, talented group of young Victorians, particularly the outstanding achievers in the VCE vocational major, who are being recognised at this prestigious event for the very first time,” Carroll said.
For Cozens, life after school is satisfyingly busy. She is studying vet nursing at The Gordon TAFE, which includes a two-day a week placement at a local clinic where she is likely to pick up ongoing work after graduating.
Still helping on the family beef farm and growing her own contracting business, she also milks cows once a week – a job she had while at school. The 3.30am starts are something she relishes.
“I love getting up early – you get to see the sunrise, and it’s a good start to the day. You feel productive.”
And if it’s cold? “You put a jumper on.”