Meet the students with the best SACE results in the Adelaide Hills
These students put their heads down and achieved outstanding results in at the end of their secondary education – meet the Adelaide Hills’ graduates with the highest scores.
Education
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Results for high school leavers were released this week after a nervous wait for students to receive their ATAR scores.
Graduates from Adelaide Hills schools were among some of the state’s best for final high school results.
Meet the top achievers of the Adelaide Hills.
ST FRANCIS DE SALES COLLEGE
Lucas Rutter
High achiever Lucas Rutter managed to achieve the top score of 94.55 at his Mount Barker school while maintaining a healthy study and life balance.
He studied maths methods, specialist maths, physics and chemistry in his final year at high school.
“I’ve worked hard but I’ve also prioritised other things,” Lucas said.
The all-rounder has worked a part time job at Bridgewater Coles throughout his final year of schooling.
Lucas has planned to take a gap year to save money as he wants to be a commercial pilot.
“I know it’s going to be an expensive thing to pursue,” he said.
“You need to hire an aircraft and that’s expensive.”
But Lucas has had his eyes set on the sky since primary school when he boarded a flight for the first time.
“It was on the school Canberra tour and we flew there and I thought that was cool,” he said.
Lucas also enjoys playing saxophone in his community band.
MOUNT BARKER HIGH SCHOOL
Ruby Hoadley
Dux of her school Ruby Hoadley achieved an 88.80 ATAR after she studied psychology, physical education, health and wellbeing and general maths.
Ruby plans to take a well-earned break in 2023 with a gap year before she heads of to university.
She wishes to study occupational therapy at Flinders University as Ruby sees an opportunity to help people with her career path.
“You can help many people with occupational therapy,” Ruby said.
She made her choice after also considering psychology.
“Psychology would have been cool but I feel like there’s a wide range of ways you can help people with occupational therapy.”
Ruby said she was going to take it easy this year by pursuing her passions of painting, being with family and playing netball.
“I love water colour painting.”
CORNERSTONE COLLEGE
Ella-Bree Zobel
Maths whiz Ella-Bree Zobel achieved a 99.25 ATAR, not only scoring the best result at her school but also one of the highest in the area.
Ella-Bree studied Chinese, specialist maths, physics and English.
She said she couldn’t believe it when she received her near-perfect result.
“It was such a surreal feeling finding out my ATAR,” Ella-Bree said.
She was elated to see the number pop up on her screen.
“I’m so happy with the result after a long year,” she said.
She also completed mathematical methods in year 11.
And she has achieved all of this while working a part time job as a waitress at her local cafe.
Ella-Bree is working through her options but is leaning towards studying a bachelor of mathematical studies at Adelaide University in 2023.
“I’m still trying to navigate my future plans,” Ella-Bree said.
HILLS CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY SCHOOL
Esther Eckerman
Bright young Hills Christian Community School graduate Esther Eckermann topped her year with a 95.90 ATAR after working hard studying biology, psychology and English literary studies.
The student was shocked that she managed to earn dux of her school.
“I’m surprised but a lot of hard work went into it,” Esther said.
Her high score will benefit her with university admissions she said.
“Next year with uni I’ll have a few more options.”
Esther plans on studying physiotherapy with honours at Adelaide University in 2023.
“I’ve always wanted to pursue something in the health industry,” Esther said.
“I want to make a big difference in someone’s life.”
ST JOHN’S GRAMMAR SCHOOL
Kyan Percevault
School dux Kyan Percevault achieved the highest score in the area with an ATAR of 99.80.
The top performer was also awarded four merits for his year 12 subjects including specialist mathematics, mathematical methods. physics and research project.
BIRDWOOD HIGH SCHOOL
Rebecca Holder
Graduate Rebecca Holder topped her school with a 88.15 ATAR.
In her final year at school she studied creative arts, English, chemistry and biology after already completing mathematical methods in 2021.
Rebecca has been considering taking a year off from study in 2023 as she assesses her options.
“I’m planning on possibly taking a gap year and moving closer to uni,” Rebecca, who lives in Gumeracha, said.
She is looking to become involved in the medical field, with nursing her current top preference.
“I’ve always been interested in how things work and biology, for example, is a great way to help people.”
Rebecca is part of the Mt Pleasant choir and has been involved with Christmas performances in her local area.
HEATHFIELD HIGH SCHOOL
Luca Bastian
Hills brainiac Luca Bastian was the dux of this school with a 98 ATAR.
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