Final year 12 results have been released for SA students across the state

SACE results have been released with USG students finally able to see how all their hard work paid off. See which dedicated year 12 students topped the secondary schools in the region.

Isaac Selby

3 min read

December 20, 2022 - 1:52PM

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The year 12 SACE results for 2022 have been released for this year’s graduating Upper Spencer Gulf students.

Whyalla Secondary School deputy principal Christina Nicholas said her school’s students had done exceptionally well considering they had to be flexible around the opening of their $200m super school.

“It’s been a massive year and we are super proud of both our staff and students. Our year 12 cohort have had a very unique experience transitioning, they’re the only students in the state who all had to attend different school in years 10, 11 and 12,” Ms Nicholas said.

Here are some of the students who topped their year levels with their academic results.

Whyalla Secondary School – Kane Coulson – 93.45

Kane Coulson was able to adjust to his new school and excelled with great year 12 results.

“It was a little challenging coming from Whyalla High, then Edward John Eyre, then starting at a brand new school in Whyalla Secondary and trying to focus on subjects,” Mr Coulson said.

Kane Coulson and his partner managed to settle into their new school environment and passed with flying colours. Picture: supplied

“I was lucky to have teachers transition from my previous school Edward John Eyre as well.”

Mr Coulson managed to keep on top of his studies with support from his girlfriend and time spent unwinding playing social basketball.

“It was a challenging experience with three schools in three years but I’m pretty stoked with how I did.”

Port Augusta Secondary School – Levi Kamin: 99.95

Levi Kamin also attended various schools, including Whyalla and Booleroo, before finishing his high school studies at Port Augusta Secondary School.

He found that math was a strong point of his, initially identifying robotics as the dream career he wanted to pursue.

Levi Kamin is excited to have a break over the Christmas period before hopefully studying with the Australian Defence Force Academy. Picture: Supplied.

Concerned that there wasn’t enough job security in robotics, he decided to also pick subjects that could set him up for a career in mechanical engineering.

“It went pretty smoothly, there were bumps in the road but I felt comfortable through most of it,” Mr Kamin said.

“I’m hoping to get into the Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA), which is a nine-year commitment but they accommodate for your housing and they pay off your hex debt.

“You finish your degree in four years but then also do another five years working for them so you get job security as well.

“Now it’s just a waiting game.”

Ryan Finlay – St Mark’s College Port Pirie – ATAR 98.70

Alongside topping his graduating year for 2022, Ryan Finlay is an avid sportsman who attributed his success to the guidance of his teachers, work-life balance and a little friendly competition.

He studied physics, nutrition, specialist maths and mathematical methods, saying he’s “always been a bit of a nerd.”

“Since about year eight I’ve had electrical engineering pencilled in as what I’m going to do after school, I like maths and science so it was either going to be that or something in the medical field,” Mr Finlay said.

Ryan Finlay being presented his college dux award by St Mark's College Principal Sandra Hewson. Picture: supplied

“I’ve applied to electrical engineering at Adelaide University where I was able to get an early conditional offer off the back of my year 11 results.”

Mr Finlay credited his casual job at the local pool, regularly playing footy and making sure the focus wasn’t always entirely on study as key to keeping balanced during a stressful year.

He also revealed that he pipped his nearest schoolmate in a remarkably close result that he says would’ve come down to one wrong question in an exam.

“Make sure you give a shout-out to Nirav Rajput, his score was only 0.05 per cent off of mine.

Gladstone High School – Mackenzie Myers – 96.25

Mackenzie Myers topped her year level at Gladstone High while juggling math methods, biology, chemistry and English.

Ms Myers said teachers and SSOs putting their hand up at her school to help get students over the line was key to her success in a difficult year.

“Year 12 started off pretty hard because of Covid, we didn’t get privileges like using our common room etc due to restrictions,” Ms Myers said.

“This got better as the year went on thankfully.”

Mackenzie Myers is looking forward to putting her love for animals to good use after receiving great year 12 results. Picture: supplied

Ms Myers plans to study animal behaviour at Flinders University next year if she’s accepted.

“I’ve always loved animals, we have a small hobby farm where we rescue animals, I’ve done sheep expos and heffa expos and would be great to put my interests to good use.”