Meet the top students in the Barossa, Clare & Gawler in SACE 2021
The wait is over for school leavers in the Barossa, Clare and Gawler who received their SACE results this week. See who topped the class throughout the region.
Barossa, Clare & Gawler
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School is well and truly out for the class of 2021 with students around the state finding out their South Australian Certificate of Education results on Monday.
The Barossa, Clare and Gawler’s school leavers are among the best in the state.
William Gambling – Kapunda High School
William Gambling was the highest achiever and dux in his Year 12 Cohort at Kapunda High School with an ATAR of 97.00.
He achieved grades all in the ‘A’ range including A+ for his research project and A’s in mathematical methods, Physics, Specialist mathematics and Japanese.
William said he planed to study advanced computer science at the University of Adelaide in 2022, with his high ATAR securing him a spot.
“From that I’m hoping to work on artificial intelligence and machine learning, I’m not sure what specific careers that means yet, but as I go on I’ll be able to learn more about what that can lead into, is just such an interesting topic for me,” he said.
Nathan Stafford – Trinity College, Gawler
Nathan Stafford was named dux at Trinity College in 2021 with an ATAR of 99.90.
Nathan received A+ merits for both creative arts and his research project with an A+ also achieved in English.
The talented young man was also lead role in the school’s musical Catch Me If You Can.
He will be attend the WAAPA next year to undertake a Bachelor of Fine Arts (Musical Theatre) where Hugh Jackman studied.
Aballa Opio – Trinity College
Another top achiever at Trinity College was Aballa Opio, who achieved an ATAR or 95.7.
Aballa, Sudanese refugee and one of six children, also did her Vocational Education and Training Certificate III in Business alongside her Year 12 studies.
“In the long term I want to become a doctor but in between then I’ll be studying for the UCAT or GAVCAT and then I’ll probably be doing a different course first,” she said.
“I just really want to be a doctor, I’d like to be in the hospital setting, the adrenaline rush is what attracts me to the role.”
Keeley Menadue – Xavier College Gawler
Dux of Xavier College Gawler Keeley Menadue earnt an ATAR of 98.05 and also receiving the Governor’s commendation for involvement as an equestrian competitor.
Keeley Menadue studied integrated learning, religious education, biology, chemistry, English literary studies and mathematical methods.
She hopes to study physiotherapy in future.
Fellow high academic achievers at Xavier College included Darcy Marker with an ATAR of 97.80, James Mason with 97.20 and Brooke Howard with 96.95.
Carol Sidholm – Gawler & District College
Gawler & District College B-12 achieved its highest ever SACE completion of 99.07 per cent in 2021.
Carol Sidhom was named one of the school’s valedictorians and achieved the school’s highest ever ATAR of 99.6.
She was followed closely by Anastasia Harrald with 98.5 who aims to study performing arts and Lily Schulz on 96.15 who plans to study psychology.
Carol aspires to be a speech pathologist.
“In Year 12, I studied mathematical methods, English literary studies, chemistry, biology, and research project, which was undertaken in year 11,” she said.
“My plan for 2022 is to study a Bachelor of Speech Pathology (Honours) at the University of South Australia.
“In the upcoming years, I plan to travel, complete my bachelors degree, work as a speech pathologist, and even potentially lecture.”
Jordi Wilksch – Faith Lutheran College, Tanunda
Jordi Wilksch was awarded dux at Faith Lutheran College receiving an ATAR of 98.25.
This year she studied biology, psychology, math methods and English having c
ompleted the research project, Year 12 visual arts and also a Certificate III in Christian ministry and theology in Year 11.
“In terms of my plans for the coming year, I am hoping to study physiotherapy or similar as I have a passion for working with people and would love to help serve in the health field,” Jordi said.
“Although I am not entirely sure about where I will be in the long term I am excited to follow my passion for leadership and work in a capacity where I can make a positive change.”
Shadeika Harrison’s – Clare High School
Shadeika Harrison was the highest achiever at Clare High School with an ATAR of 95.5.
She achieved an A+ for creative arts plus in visual arts design with As for English and tourism.
“In 2022 I am studying visual effects and entertainment design at Flinders University and CDW Studios,” Shadeika said.
“My long term goal is to become a capable and flexible artist so that I may one day have a successful career in the entertainment design industry.”
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