SACE results: Meet South Australia’s perfect Year 12s and the 25 recipients of a Governor’s commendation

A fab four of SA Year 12s have discovered they achieved “perfect” scores. And 25 have been named winners of Governor’s commendations.

Bella Bradford’s mum was so keen to find out her daughter’s Year 12 results that she resorted to a sneaky tactic to get her out of bed at 7am yesterday.

“My mum was ringing the (doorbell) buzzer trying to wake me up,” Bella says.

“She went for a run and didn’t come back and didn’t take her keys on purpose.”

But, as always, mother knows best, because Bella’s scores were well worth the early wake-up call.

The Wilderness School graduate, 19, achieved five suject Merits and an Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank of 99.75.

“It was like I was in shock. Are these really my results? I ran to the kitchen and I was like ‘Mum! Look!’ She was pretty stoked.”

Bella, who hopes to begin media and communications and arts degrees at the University of Sydney next year, is one of four Year 12s to achieve “perfect” results. That’s by the SACE Board’s criteria of five subject Merits, including one for the Research Project.

Top Year 12s Elijah Schutz, Bradyn Walsh, Bella Bradford and Matthew Giddings at Victoria Park on Tuesday. Picture: Matt Loxton

The rest of the quartet is all male: Matthew Giddings from Scotch College, Bradyn Walsh from Endeavour College and Elijah Schutz from Pedare Christian College.

They are all among the 25 Governor of SA Commendation recipients, of whom 19 are from private schools and six from public schools. The awards recognise excellence in Year 12 and “in the qualities young people need for community life, citizenship and work”, the SACE Board says.

Bella is eyeing a career in public relations.

“I love public speaking and interacting with people,” she says.

Elijah, 17, who scored five Merits and the highest possible ATAR of 99.95, was the one waking up everyone else in his house - his parents and three sisters - at 7am.

“I was pretty thrilled. I took a screenshot (of my results) and sent it to all my family. I heard the rest of the house go ‘ping, ping, ping’ with all the notifications,” he says.

Elijah and Bradyn, 18 (five Merits, 99.9 ATAR) both want to do double degrees in electrical and electronic engineering, and maths and computer science, at Adelaide University.

While very happy with his results, Bradyn says it is “bittersweet” to be so close to a perfect ATAR. He plans a career in some sort of revolutionary technology.

Matthew, 18, says his six Merits and 99.95 ATAR are “a big relief”. “It’s good to have that weight off your shoulders,” says the 18-year-old, who is hoping to pick up an even bigger weight in the form of a six-year medical degree at either Adelaide or Flinders universities.

Tobias Turner, 18, from Tatachilla Lutheran College, is the first male student ever to win the Aboriginal Student SACE Excellence Award. He was a leader both within his school and in the community, being part of a group working with the State Government on creating a Kaurna Cultural Centre in Belair National Park.

A record 174 Aboriginal students received an ATAR. The 230 with a TAFE Selection Score is also a record.

Governor of South Australia Commendation recipients *

Matthew Giddings, 18, Scotch College

Matthew achieved six Merits in Biology, Chemistry, Mathematical Methods, Specialist Mathematics, Physics, and the Research Project. Matthew has had a stellar academic career during his schooling. He achieved several commendable results in a variety of mathematics competitions, including the Australian Mathematical Olympiad, the MCYA Enrichment program and the Australian Mathematics Competition. He was also College chess caption and an accomplished pianist. During Year 12, Matthew volunteered on a regular basis at the Regis Aged Care facility in Kingswood, providing emotional support to the elderly residents and organising a range of engaging activities.

Scotch principal Dr John Newton with high-achiever Matthew Giddings.

Bradyn Walsh, 18, Endeavour College

Bradyn achieved five Merits in English Literary Studies, Mathematical Methods, Specialist

Mathematics, Physics, and the Research Project. Bradyn has been an outstanding peer mentor who generously shared his skills and expertise, volunteering for many student-led initiatives. As the Student Information Technology leader, he facilitated a weekly Code Club, while in mathematics he prepared a workbook on Transition Vectors for Year 11 classes and led peer mentoring Maths Help lunchtime sessions. In 2018 he represented the college at the National Youth Science Forum.

Elijah Schutz, 17, Pedare Christian College

Elijah achieved five Merits in Chemistry, Mathematical Methods, Specialist Mathematics, Physics, and the Research Project.

Isabella Bradford, 19, Wilderness School

Isabella achieved five Merits in Drama, English, Physical Education, Research Project, and Society and Culture.

Philippa (Pippa) Adkins, 18, Pulteney Grammar School

Philippa achieved two Merits in Physics and the Research Project. Philippa is an elite sportswoman who has held a range of school leadership roles, including House Captain, and captain of both the school’s netball and softball teams. Philippa has represented South Australia and Australia in softball, and was a key part of the Australian team that won the U19 Friendship Series, where she was named Most Valuable Player of the Grand Final. Philippa has exceptional language skills and completed her Stage 2 German subject in Year 11. Her Research Project on improving performance and attendance within remote indigenous secondary schools in the Northern Territory saw Philippa interview the NT Minister for Education and educators within NT’s remote indigenous communities.

Tristan Camilleri, 17, Sacred Heart College

Tristan achieved three Merits in Chemistry, Mathematical Methods, and the Research Project. Tristan is dedicated to athletics and in particular to the sport of Racewalking, representing South Australia 21 times. In 2018 he was awarded the college’s most valuable athlete. Tristan is a highly effective communicator who completed Stage 2 Japanese Continuers in Year 11. Tristan is the Tiny Tot and On Track Coordinator at Coastal Districts Little Athletics Club, and also volunteers with the St Vincent De Paul Society.

Heidi Collins, 17, Westminster School

Heidi achieved two Merits in Outdoor Education and the Research Project. In her role as House Captain, Heidi has led a number of activities, including fundraising for Road Raise, Beanies for Brain Cancer, and Canteen Bandanas. Outside of school, Heidi has organised the making of wedding cakes and catered for many birthdays and gatherings. She is an active member of her community, volunteering at Westcare, Resthaven, Foodbank, Ronald McDonald House and since 2014 has worked She also volunteers as a visitor at the Mount Barker Lifestyle Aged Care Home.

Danielle Cooke, 17, Our Lady of the Sacred Heart College

Danielle achieved one Merit in the Research Project. As College Vice Captain, Danielle has been an excellent mentor for younger students, motivating and supporting students at college events such as Aquatics and Athletics Carnivals. Danielle has volunteered to make soup for the less fortunate in her school community and regularly visited a local elderly care home to provide company for the residents. Danielle also participates in classical ballet and starred as a character in the college musical Singin in the Rain JNR, which included singing, dancing, and acting.

Bethany Cross, 18, St Peter’s Girls’ School

Bethany achieved three Merits in Biology, English Literary Studies and Physics. Bethany participated in an array of co-curricular activities within the school and held leadership positions in both music and sport. She is a state representative in athletics and was also a volunteer mentor both in the school’s sporting program and at club level. Bethany is passionate about raising awareness about the plight of refugees, and organised a fundraising day in aid of the Australian Refugee Association. She also spent time in a Fijian village helping to build water tanks and assisting children with their English skills.

Caleb Crowden, 18, Temple Christian College

Caleb has been an inspirational school leader and demonstrated that Cerebral Palsy is no barrier to success. He has represented South Australia in multiple national competitions in Boccia, Wheelchair Basketball and Table Tennis. He captained the South Australian table tennis team at the Pacific Games, winning two gold medals in singles and a bronze in the team event. In 2018 he competed in five international tournaments in Slovenia, Fiji, Thailand, South Korea and China. Caleb was a guest speaker at the City of Onkaparinga Australia Day citizenship ceremony and at the Novita Children’s Service Events, as well as an ambassador for the Variety Children’s Charity.

Annalise Delic, 18, Eynesbury Senior College

Annalise achieved one Merit in Modern History. Annalise is a passionate and confident communicator who enjoys public speaking. She attended the State Constitutional Convention and enthusiastically put forward a case for Australia becoming a Republic. She was then selected to attend the National Constitutional Convention in Canberra as part of the 12-person South Australian delegation. Annalise has been a leading member of the Eynesbury team for the Law Society of SA’s Mock Trial Competition for the last three years and was the lead barrister in the grand final round.

Kieran Hammond, 17, Trinity College Senior

Kieran was Head Prefect who was actively involved in college life. He is a Junior Scout Leader and a member of the Lone Scout Group as a Venturer. Sport is a very important part of Kieran’s life, particularly Hockey and Cricket where he played in the College’s first XI, coached indoor hockey at school and represented the U18 South Australian Hockey squad. In 2018 Kieran attended the National Youth Science Forum in Brisbane.

Amy Hein, 18, Cornerstone College

Amy achieved one Merit in General Mathematics. Amy was a College Leader and represented Cornerstone College at the AISSA opening service. She contributed creatively to various College events, including the student-led Summit to School Talent Show. She was a leader in ‘Girls being Girls’, a weekly lunchtime group that mentors Middle School girls to help them feel comfortable in their transition to high school. Amy is a singer, artist and dancer and has been a member of Dance Fusion Dance School in Hahndorf for 12 years.

Josephine Matthias, 16, Modbury High School

Josephine achieved one Merit in the Research Project. Josephine was a senior member of the school’s Concert Band and Stage Band, where she led the percussion section. She is a leader at her church’s youth group, and represented South Australia in the National Youth Conference for the Lutheran Church of Australia. She attended a Youth United Nations conference. She also plays for a community volleyball and basketball team and was the Year 12 girls’ champion of the annual Sports Day.

Anjana Prabu, 17, Seymour College

Anjana achieved one Merit in the Research Project. Anjana was Head Girl and has been a member of the College’s debating team for three years, organising debating opportunities across year levels. Anjana has been an active advocate for the safe use of social media within her College and other Colleges across the State. She developed a program to raise awareness with younger year levels about mental health issues. Anjana performed in a range of choirs and also helped to produce vocal arrangements, choreography and repertoire for Funk Band.

Sebastian Ricci, 17, Saint Ignatius College

Sebastian achieved two Merits in Chemistry and Physics. Sebastian was appointed Senior Leader of the College, captain of squash and a member of the Social Justice group. He excelled in Theatre Arts and was named Most Valuable Performer Award. Sebastian suffered significantly from Juvenile Arthritis in his earlier years of schooling, but received a number of school awards in his final year. He has spoken about issues such as mental health and disabilities with his peers in the hope they would talk to others about any issues they may be facing. Sebastian also participated in the Jarrumwani Journey of the Heart Program to the Tiwi and Aboriginal Lands of Northern Australia where he spent two weeks learning about their community and relationship with the land.

Tara Rossetto, 18, Loreto College

Tara achieved one Merit in the Research Project. Tara was Head Girl and has tirelessly raised awareness about social justice issues with her peers. Tara was an active member in the Hutt Street’s Walk a Mile in My Boots, the college’s Indigenous Garden Club. She made a substantial contribution to student and staff welfare through her work on International Women’s Day, Harmony Day, and R U OK? Day. She campaigned on issues such as the tax on sanitary products and was part of a group who collected sanitary products and donated them to women’s shelters. Tara was also instrumental in organising fundraising activities for a family in Uganda to build a new home.

Ella Schultz, 18, Loxton High School

As Head Girl Prefect, Ella has been a fervent advocate for students’ wellbeing, working alongside staff to improve the quality of grounds and facilities. This culminated with the construction of outdoor student seating and a paved walkway. Ella champions her community through a variety of volunteer activities. This included conducting demonstrations and tours for visitors at Loxton’s Historical Village Alive Days. Ella has coached both netball and basketball teams and instructed beginners how to umpire.

Bridie Squire, 18, St Aloysius College

Bridie achieved two Merits in Biology and English. As the SRC President, Bridie has generously supported and represented the College in a broad range of events, and spoken publicly at many of them. In 2018, Bridie presented a reflection on her Mercy Pilgrimage to Dublin to the Alliance of Girls’ Schools Australasia as part of school visits at the national conference. Bridie has played for the College’s netball, volleyball, touch football and inaugural AFL football teams, and is a member of the Kathleen Short ballet school and the Adelaide University soccer team.

Georgia Thomas, 18, Nuriootpa High School

Georgia was a State debating champion who took part in multiple public speaking competitions. She was the Public Relations and Community Liaison Officer for student-run GLOW (Gay, Lesbian or Whatever) Committee, a YMCA youth ambassador, and was also involved in the Youth Parliament, Rotary Youth Program of Enrichment, and Australian Business Week.

Isaac Turner, 17, Cardijn College

Isaac was College Captain and has represented Adelaide at national conferences for his roles in the Young Christian Workers Leadership Team and the Young Christian Students group. He has started a local soup kitchen, supported Fred’s Van and initiated multiple fundraising campaigns, including creating Beans Benefit, where he has a team of students who sell iced coffee to raise money in aid of the soup kitchen.

Tobias Turner, 18, Tatachilla Lutheran College

Tobias has become the first boy to receive the Governor of South Australia Commendation – Aboriginal Student SACE Excellence Award. He has also been awarded a Governor of South Australia Commendation. Tobias played a key leadership role in the development of the College’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island community policies and practices. Tobias has been a mentor, supporting students and staff regarding Aboriginal perspectives within the community, curriculum and Reconciliation Action Plan Committee. He has represented and worked alongside his community at a local and state level, including being part of a group who worked with the Government to explore the creation of a Kaurna Cultural Centre at Belair National Park. He also works with a language group who have promoted the Kaurna language and have been involved in consultation across sectors regarding appropriate use, spelling and signage of language.

Yaqi Wei, 18, Blackwood High School

Yaqi achieved one Merit in Biology. Yaqi’s achievement, service and commitment to the school has been exemplary throughout her secondary school career. Yaqi has studied the highest level of mathematics and was accelerated in the middle years, allowing her to study Mathematics at Flinders University, where she achieved a High Distinction in the Extension Studies Program. She has been an active member of the Student Representative Council, volunteered at Resthaven and at World Vision.

Eliza Wright, 17, Kingston Community School

Eliza achieved one Merit in the Research Project. Eliza is a confident and passionate public speaker, and has assisted in running community assemblies such as Remembrance Day and ANZAC Day, and this year was the MC at the school’s annual Presentation Night. As Senior President of the Student Representative Council, Eliza facilitated a number of fundraising events and organised weekly lunchtime sporting competitions for secondary students. Eliza was a sporting House Captain who earned a number of medals at school and regional sports days, and excelled in netball.

Governor of South Australia Commendfation – Excellence in Modified SACE Award recipient Adele Solomon, 19, Adelaide East Education Centre

Adele has been awarded the Governor of South Australia Commendation – Excellence in Modified SACE Award. Adele has undertaken work experience at Harris Real Estate where she won the company’s Top Team Player award two years in a row. She achieved a Certificate I in Hospitality and worked in the school community cafe, learning a range of skills. She was a participant in the Foundation 21 Dream Ride in the United States and is a keen dancer, performing at various community functions with Essential Talent.

*Information provided by the SACE board.