SACE results 2024: The students who achieved Governor’s commendations
33 South Australian students have been awarded 2024 Governor of South Australia Commendations for Excellence in SACE. See who made the list.
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They’ve overcome tragedy, adversity and impossible schedules, given up their valuable time to help their community and scaled the heights with their extra-curricular activities – and now these 33 Year 12 graduates have been granted this year’s Governor of South Australia Commendations for Excellence in SACE.
Get to know the 33 students below
Aboriginal Student SACE Excellence Award
Raphillia Agale, Kangaroo Island
Raphillia came to her school with a keen curiosity to learn more about, and connect with, her Torres Strait Islander heritage. She participated in the South Australian Aboriginal Secondary Training Academy (SAASTA) program where she expanded her intercultural understanding and applied this to the Kangaroo Island local context to advocate for better healthcare for Aboriginal residents. By embracing cultural activities such as cultural dance, workshops and smoking ceremonies, Raphillia has strengthened her cultural connection. She also worked with AusOceans to contribute to the development of an ocean monitoring rig deployed off Kingscote and has regularly sought support and feedback from teachers to achieve her best.
Excellence in Modified SACE Award
Ruby Sambell, Limestone Coast
Ruby transitioned from special education classes to mainstream classes in Year 10 and flourished studying a combination of SACE and Modified SACE subjects. She has completed a VET Certificate II in Construction and undertaken work experience in engineering and construction. She has overcome extreme anxiety to act as a spokesperson for people living with disabilities. Ruby consistently demonstrates resilience, kindness and inclusivity inside and outside her school. Ruby is also a valued team member of her local, football and basketball teams. She is currently working as a Tyre Fitter with Naracoorte Tyre Power.
Excellence in SACE Award
Kloe Appleton, Yorke Peninsula
Kloe has balanced her academic commitments and leadership duties with remarkable efficiency, performing at a high standard academically while also overseeing and organising a range of initiatives bringing together students, staff and the local community. From working with other school student leaders to fundraising for childhood cancer, and winning the Copper Coast Council Leadership Award, Kloe has repeatedly demonstrated her commitment to bettering the world around her. Her dedication to self-improvement has been evident in her consistent application of study techniques and feedback in her SACE subjects.
Melody Baldock, Riverland
As a Senior School Leader, Melody has played a key role in bringing together her school community through a range of initiatives and activities such as fundraising BBQs and Relay for Life. She has also been a strong advocate for lowering the voting age, showing her commitment to civics and citizenship. Melody has also managed her school’s local news broadcast, ensuring that all students remain updated and informed.
Pareena Brar
Pareena is a diligent young person who has used her initiative, proactivity and dedication to achieve outstanding academic results. In her spare time, she has formed tutorial groups to provide extra assistance to her classmates. A valued member of the school community, Pareena has been approachable and considerate in all interactions with members of the school community. Her community spirit has been evidenced through her many volunteering efforts with the local Indian and wider communities.
Alexander Clark
A Purton Oratory winner, Alex is an accomplished public speaker who has been engaged in debating activities from Year 7 through to Year 12. A Head Prefect, Alex organised and implemented a visit from disability support provider Novita, which involved his peers touring their school by wheelchair to identify accessibility gaps on campus. Alex has demonstrated a deep commitment to the community through various fundraising activities and social justice events, including the Winter Sleepout and White Ribbon Campaign. Alex’s deep ethical understanding and strong sense of community makes him an exemplary role model for his peers and younger students at his school.
Gabriel Cregan
The champion swimmer’s weekly schedule was already jam-packed before he even started to think about his Year 12 studies this year.
The record-holding breastroke specialist, whose best 50m time is 30.35, attended two-hour early-morning training sessions at the Barossa Valey Swimming Club – a 70-minute drive from his Mount Barker home – followed up with strength-building classes in the gym every night.
During the year, Gabriel – who is a two-time state champion, currently holds 56 state swimming records and has swum for Australia at the Virtus Global Games in France last year – travelled interstate at least once a month for country, state and national swimming championships before sitting his Year 12 exams in October.
Despite his hectic schedule, the 18-year-old St Francis de Sales College captain found time to smash his Year 12 studies, scoring a 94.4 ATAR for his and being named among the Governor’s award-winners.
“My swimming added a challenge to Year 12 but I was able to keep on top of things,” he said on Monday after learning his result.
“It helped in making me a more organised and determined person.”
Gabriel, who was diagnosed with Asperger’s when he was four and hopes to one day swim at the Paralympics, plans to study a bachelor of advanced science majoring in mathematics at Flinders University next year. He has moved to Immanuel Swimming Club to be closer for his university studies.
Rithisa Dahal
Rithisa aspires to pursue a career in radiation therapy and has a strong and focused vision for her future in healthcare. During her SACE journey, she has excelled in STEM subjects, including participating in the MASA mathematics Competition and the NASSSA Math Olympics. Rithisa has won numerous academic achievements and is known for her compassion and supportive nature towards her peers and has passionately celebrated her culture and shared it with her school community.
Nathan Driver, Mid North
Head Prefect Nathan has mentored younger students, led a Mission Trip to Bali, and coached school sports – all while completing a Certificate III and working at his local supermarket. He is a prolific contributor to his community and plays football and basketball locally. Academically, Nathan has a particular aptitude for maths and Physics and hopes to pursue a STEM-related degree at university.
Rachel Files (Riverland)
Head Prefect Rachel’s passion for the humanities has seen her participate in Teen Parliament, excel as a debater and speak publicly at various forums. Her parliamentary speech won her a prestigious scholarship, and for Anzac Day, Rachel presented a well-researched speech highlighting the role of the Women’s Land Army to her local community. She was the CEO of her company during Australian Business Week.
Lewis Gilbert
Lewis was born and lived in Hong Kong until Year 10, when he came to St Peter’s College as a boarder, where he has been studying since. Lewis enjoys basketball, and fitness, including going to the gym. He also plays the piano. In Year 12, Lewis’ biggest challenge was time management – balancing his sport commitments, health and wellbeing, and social life. He plans to study a double degree in mathematics and Engineering next year. He is interested in a career in science, possibly in aerospace.
Zashka Gunson
Zashka’s academic success spans across creative, scientific and mathematical domains. She was selected to attend the National Youth Science Forum (NYSF) and has subsequently assisted next year’s participants with their funding applications. As Prefect in Years 11 and 12, she has been a role model for her peers and organised various activities to build stronger school connections. Zashka ran recycling programs and initiatives to reduce energy poverty as part of her school’s Environment Club. In sporting, Zashka holds a SASI scholarship for para-badminton and is a member of the national Para-Falcon badminton squad.
Putsoriyavong (Victoria) Hem
Victoria is a self-disciplined, determined young person who wants to pursue a career in STEM. Studying Math Methods, Physics, Chemistry and Biology in Year 12, she has exemplified her ability to approach complex concepts with a critical and analytical mind. While meeting the high demands of these subjects, Victoria has also been a carer for her brother, who is on the autism spectrum, and worked at her parents’ bakery.
Kevin Hua
An accomplished all-rounder, Kevin consistently embodies the SACE capabilities in all aspects of his academic journey. He has demonstrated a notable commitment to promoting literacy skills among his peers by initiating a wide range of literacy programs at school. Kevin has also been a strong advocate for National Reconciliation Week which has seen him organise events, create educational resources, and work collaboratively with his peers to raise awareness. Kevin contributes to the wider community with a focus on advocating for youth and inspiring younger students. Kevin is a strong leader who has rallied his school community on civic education, digital literacy, and environmental impact. Outside of school, Kevin is involved in Youth Parliament and the UN Youth Council.
Sargunpreet Kaur
A week before she was due to sit her Year 12 biology exam last year, Sargunpreet’s family home caught on fire.
“We had to move out, which made it so hard to revise,” said the Nazareth Catholic College student, who was still in Year 11 but studying a Year 12 subject.
“We had to move all the stuff we had and we stayed in AirBnBs and moved around.”
Sargunpreet was only able to move back into her family’s western-suburbs home earlier this year, after she had already started studying for the rest of her Year 12 subjects.
“We were out of the house for seven months. We had to move around, it was pretty stressful,” she said.
On Monday, the 18-year-old scored a 99.7 ATAR.
“It was really a miracle,” said the aged care volunteer, who has applied to study medicine next year.
“I really like to help people, it really matches my skill set.”
James Le
James, who wants to study Medicine at the University of Adelaide, is also a passionate musician. He plays both the flute and the saxophone, and participates in multiple ensembles. James credits his teachers for the integral role they have played in his success during SACE. He is also a keen dancer.
Ebony Lewis
As an Aboriginal student leader, Ebony has shown an innate ability to bridge cultural perspectives and foster inclusive environments within her school community. She organised NAIDOC Week celebrations and has mentored younger Aboriginal students at her school in their transition to secondary education. She has demonstrated exceptional critical thinking through data collection and analysis, which she has used to evaluate communication and process effectiveness across various community service projects such as Project Compassion. Ebony is a skilled communicator who has a particular aptitude for tailoring communication specifically for differentaudiences.
Xinyi (Cindy) Luo
Xinyi has immersed herself in debating, public speaking and philosophy, participating in the Rostrum Voice of the Youth, Australasian Philosothon and Ethics Olympiad competitions. She was Strings Leader in 2024 and engaged in over seven choirs, bands, orchestras and chamber ensembles. Xinyi has received excellent recognition for her work as an accompanist, including the AMEB Student Accompanist Award, the Collaborative Pianist Award and the Winston Music Finalist Prize in the Geoffrey Parsons Awards – a national biennial competition. Xinyi is committed to supporting others in their musical and creative endeavours and volunteers for the Salvation Army and Uniting Church.
Crystal Manning
Crystal has demonstrated exceptional public speaking skills at numerous events, including ANZAC and Remembrance Day services, Open Days, and College assemblies. Her confidence, humour, and humility captivate audiences, while her honesty and respect ensure her presentations are impactful. Crystal has excelled in guiding peers and writing for the College newsletter and magazine. Her dedication to storytelling is evident in her filmmaking, where she has created moving films that connect deeply with her community. Crystal has consistently achieved high results, showcasing her growth mindset and leadership abilities. Her commitment to inclusivity and community service is reflected in her numerous awards and her role in establishing a new in-line hockey club for women in South Australia.
Kahlan Mashford
Evan Mewett
As school-based Dux in both Stage 2 Music Explorations and Mathematical Methods while in Year 11, Evan has demonstrated his ability to engage critically across disciplines, approaching both mathematical and musical concepts with precision and creativity. He has participated in national STEM competitions, as well as the Defence Work Experience Program’s STEM Immersion Week. As Year 12 Music Captain, Evan mentored younger musicians, co-ordinated ensemble performances for large-scale community events, and hosted recital nights at school. He also completed a Certificate III in Christian Ministry and Theology, and balanced his SACE subjects and VET certificate with an aviation course.
Tooba Mumtaz
It’s been a year of devastating heartbreak for Tooba, who lost her dad suddenly just a week before her Year 12 exams – and five months after her mum died from renal failure.
“It was traumatising but it was my dad’s dream to work hard and to achieve this award,” said the Thebarton Senior College graduate, whose 71-year-old dad died just 25 days after being diagnosed with leukaemia.
“I promised my dad I’d give my best and I’m pretty sure he must have been pretty proud of me and happy in heaven.”
Earlier in the year, Tooba’s 42-year-old mum also died suddenly in May after discovering she was in renal failure and receiving a couple of rounds of dialysis treatment.
But despite Tooba’s year of trauma and tragedy, the resilient 24-year-old – who returned to high school to study Year 12 after seven years of working in her family business – scored an impressive 95.85 ATAR.
Her family’s unbearable loss has inspired Tooba to pursue a career in medicine. She has also achieved impressive results in the University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT).
“Hopefully I will get into medicine,” said Tooba, who was born in Pakistan but grew up in Malaysia and arrived in Adelaide two years ago, learning English “from YouTube”.
“I feel like I want to save people’s lives because I can feel what someone feels when they lose their loved ones.
“Nobody can understand better than me. I just want to save lives, I want to make sure nobody feels what I felt when I lost my parents.”
Orion (Ori) Packer
Orion has held leadership roles throughout his SACE journey, including House Captain, School Vice-Captain and Pedal Prix Captain. In these roles, he has engaged with the school community with compassion, humility and respect. Particularly as Pedal Prix Captain, where he showed initiative by introducing regular training sessions, increasing involvement from younger students, and applying for sponsorships from local businesses. As an exchange student to Japan, Orion built lasting connections with his host family. He has led and organised countless fundraising activities for causes ranging from men’s mental health, poverty, homelessness and refugee support. Orion has supported a family friend, who is a member of the Stolen Generation, to create a family tree to better understand his history.
Lilianna Pourgiezis
Lilianna is hoping to study Medicine at the University of Adelaide. A keen volunteer both within and outside of school, Lilianna has a passion for helping people. Ever since she dissected a heart in Year 10 Biology, she has had her own heart set on a career in medicine. As a member of the Wilderness School Student Foundation committee, she helped run school tours for prospective students and their families. As a member of the International Committee, she helped run inclusive events and serve multicultural food to students. Lilianna played social netball and volleyball for her school this year. Prior to Year 12, Lilianna volunteered through a Reading Buddies program for disadvantage students to help them with their reading.
Emily Richardson
Emily is an agile cross-disciplinary student who has excelled in her wide range of SACE subjects and won multiple awards while also serving as School Vice-Captain. A skilled debater and public speaker, Emily has had extensive involvement across a range of other extra-curricular activities, including basketball and the Duke of Edinburgh Award. She led her school’s Lent Campaign, aimed at involving the school community in service of a worthy cause, and helped deliver a range of initiatives which raised over $11,000 for the Australian Bragg Centre for Proton Therapy. Emily has also been a member of her school’s Reconciliation Action Plan Committee where she has been a strong proponent of truth telling and the value of embedding Aboriginal history and culture in meaningful ways.
Maram Salim
When Maram and her family arrived in Adelaide last year after fleeing the terrors of Palestine to start a new life, she spoke very little English. This week, she scored an almost-unbeatable ATAR of 99.75 and putting her on a path to achieve her dream of becoming a doctor.
But it’s been a tough road for 20-year-old Maram, who completed a quick six-month English course, becoming proficient enough to start Year 12 at IQRA College this year.
Just weeks before her Year 12 exams, she suffered the heartbreaking loss of her 17-year-old sister to Ewings sarcoma, a form of bone cancer.
“I only had three days to lament the loss and then I had to go back to work,” Maram said.
“It was really hard, you’ve lost someone you’ve shared your whole life with and you used to share a room with and then suddenly that person is not there anymore and you don’t even have the time to lament that person.
“That was the biggest challenge that I’ve been through.”
Now, Maram is using her sister’s loss to drive her into a future of studying medicine and finding a cure for cancer.
“My sister is my special reason for wanting to do medicine,” she said.
“When you lose someone you’re very close to, you start wondering how and why and all of that.
“Hopefully, I can find a cure for that. I want to understand the science behind it.”
Maram said the key to her Year 12 success was “pushing yourself” and not giving up in the face of extreme trauma.
“You have to do what you have to do and pushing yourself,” said Maram, who studied biology, maths, Arabic and English as a second language.
“It doesn’t matter what you feel, even if you are tired, you have to do it and be grateful to yourself and so proud of yourself when you are finally there.”
Alexandra Seal
South Australia’s 2024 Young Citizen of the Year, Alexandra is an accomplished scholar and advocate. Her handcrafted polymer clay jewellery business, Six Spaces, donates a percentage of profits to charities such as families4families. Her advocacy work includes creating globally shared flyers for the Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary/ Congregation of Jesus (BVM/CJ NGO) at the UN and a compelling video for the Mind the Gap movement for UN Women. For her Research Project, Alexandra created a short film for families4families to share with rehabilitation clinics for people and families impacted by acquired brain injuries. Alexandra’s leadership and strong sense of social justice have been evident in her roles in the Peace and Justice Group, Environment Committee, and as chair of her school’s UN committee.
James Skelton
James is an accomplished classical musician and scholar with a strong academic record. He has demonstrated exceptional literacy skills through detailed applications for his further studies, and artist performance biographies. James won the ‘Most Promising Wind Player’ award at the Australian Concerto & Vocal Competition, performing two major clarinet concertos from memory. He has also been recognised with the Music Teachers’ Association of SA ‘Grace Barbara Turner Award for Excellence in Performance’ for three consecutive years and was a finalist for the 5MBS Young Virtuoso Awards. As a dedicated musician, James has excelled in SACE Music subjects and national competitions, earning distinctions in piano and clarinet diplomas. His leadership roles as College Captain and Prefect, along with his involvement in co-curricular activities, highlight his personal and social skills. James aspires to pursue a career as a classical musician and has applied to leading music colleges in London. James has completed the HeadStart University of Adelaide course in Human Anatomy and Physiology, achieving High Distinctions.
Angus Smith, Kangaroo Island
Throughout his SACE journey, Angus has consistently gone above and beyond both in his academic and extra-curricular endeavours. Excelling in his SACE subjects through his interest in the content and ability to think critically and creatively about his approach to different assessment tasks, Angus has also taken the time to assist his peers with their understanding of key mathematical concepts. Through his Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award and participation in the Oliphant Science Awards, Angus also displayed a deep commitment to growth, teamwork and leadership. His well-thought out and innovative submission to the Oliphant Science Awards also saw him take the second prize home.
Lev Tarasenko
Lev, who won the Oliphant Award for Scientific Writing, is an expert communicator with a keen interest in STEM subjects. As part of a 6-student team, he built, deployed and monitored a rig located in Port Adelaide River in collaboration with AusOcean. He was selected to attend the South Australia Space School Camp and has also completed a Certificate III in Christian Ministry and Theology. Lev has been a strong leader in his school community, taking on formal roles as Student College Leader and Deputy House Captain, and also worked on a casual basis at his school over school holidays undertaking maintenance and groundwork.
Sophia Tayeb
Sophia, as President of the Student Representative Committee, has played a key role in amplifying student voice at her school and bringing everyone together for shared causes. She led and organised fundraising initiatives for International Women’s Day and R U OK Day, as well as for a school in Nepal. Through her involvement with Anglicare and the SONY Foundation Camp, Sophia volunteered time to care for children and young people with disabilities. She successfully completed two seasons as cox to win regattas and national rowing titles. Sophia has also achieved the Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award.
Joshua Wabnitz
Benjamin Walkuski
Winning Dux awards for four of his SACE Stage 2 subjects, along with his school’s Gold Medal for excellence across academic, sporting and citizenship domains, Ben is a true all-rounder. His proficiency in his Stage 2 subjects, coupled with his willingness to share his knowledge and expertise with others, has seen Ben become a sought-after peer mentor for his classmates. He also set up a mathematics support program at his school, and led study sessions for other subjects even during school holidays, demonstrating a deep commitment to education and community. Showing particular insight into how his autism influences his interactions with others, Ben has taken a proactive approach to offering and accepting perspectives, and respecting the autonomy of others. Ben hopes to study Psychology after school.
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