Mackay year 12 graduate high achievers revealed
From dream jobs in the V8 pits to animal welfare and a promising rugby league career, these are some of the region’s school leavers who have overcome obstacles to achieve results. See the list here.
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Duxes and school captains are undeniably high achievers at any school, but there are many other students who often fly under the radar or miss out on the publicity.
The Daily Mercury has decided to shine a spotlight on these unsung heroes at schools across the Mackay region.
Find out more about our impressive young up and comers here.
Sarina State High School
Braydon Grant
Recent graduate Braydon Grant lived independently for the last two years of school and funded his own way through school.
Braydon was recently announced in the U21 Mackay Cutters team, and has gained an apprenticeship with DNT Hydraulics and Engineering as a fitter and turner.
As well as his QCE, Braydon graduated with numerous qualifications including a Certificate III in Fitness, a Certificate II Sport and Recreation, a Certificate II in Automotive, a Certificate I in Manufacturing, and a Certificate II in Skills for work and vocational pathways.
Braydon has also accomplished a number of impressive sporting achievements including playing for the Sarina Crocs Rugby League team, playing on the U18 Mackay Cutters team in 2021, competing as a Capricornia representative for rugby league, competing as a Mackay district representative for athletics and cross country, and receiving a school age champion award in cross country and swimming.
Jordan Burger
Jordan Burger also lived independently for the last year of her schooling and funded her own way through school – finding her own accommodation on multiple occasions throughout the year.
Jordan has overcome some challenging personal circumstances, but came out shining after completing her QCE.
Jordan has completed a number of qualifications including a Certificate III in Business, a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care, and a Certificate II in Skills for work and vocational pathways.
Whitsunday Anglican School
Emmett Withers
Emmett is the founder of Emmett 4 Animals, a not-for-profit charity that supplies local animal foster carers with necessities, such as animal food, bedding and medicine.
“I’ve had my heart set on 2.5 tonnes for a couple years. Unfortunately I haven’t met it yet – that’s a goal of mine, and I‘d like to expand more into e-commerce and have some sort of revenue stream there,” he said.
“I’d love to work with more businesses to try and further the charity through that.
“I’ll apply for grants.”
The 2021 graduate said he was looking forward to having his days free while working as a service supervisor at Caneland Central’s Woolworths in the evening.
He plans to continue his charity work with Emmett 4 Animals for the next 18 months before going to QUT to study a Bachelor of Law and a Bachelor of Biomedical Science.
“I definitely want to become a lawyer, but I can’t see myself sitting behind a desk for 30 years,” he said.
“One of my family members is an international business lawyer in China and they do international trade deals between big corporate businesses … I’d love to do something like diplomacy.
“I went to Japan in year 10 for a global expedition type thing … (and) I studied Japanese pretty much all throughout high school except in year 12.
“It’s a beautiful country with a great culture.”
Emmett was also inspired by his aunt, a nurse, and his cousins who are general practitioners, to pursue a career in medicine.
“I’ll apply for both and maybe I’ll like medicine and biomedicine more and transfer into there,” he said.
“My family has been very service driven and have put others first, such as being volunteers for the Lions.
“I’ve always enjoyed the prospect of helping others.”
Emmett said he relied on friends, going for a walk, and communicating with others “within the bounds of Covid restrictions” to get him through his final years during the pandemic.
“At school we had a big emphasis on keeping an eye out for each other and looking out for each other,” he said.
“With online schooling, a lot of year 11 and 12 were concerned it would negatively impact their GPA and grade, but a lot of students found they were performing leagues above what they would in a classroom.”
Emmett’s word of advice for next year’s seniors was to make the most of their time with their peers and teachers, to cherish the special moments, and give everything their best effort.
Donations to Emmett4Animals can be made at www.e4a.com.au
Mackay State High School
Emma Keeler
Emma has had a stellar final year, receiving the Mackay State High School Principal’s Shield as well as Leadership Honours at the school’s annual Awards Night.
Emma was also elected by her peers and staff as the only House Prefect for Denniss House.
A school spokeswoman said Emma had shown “motivation, a positive attitude, and passion for her school”.
“She has led by example – getting involved in all school activities and upholding the values
of a Mackay State High School senior leader,” the spokeswoman said.
“Emma has led her Denniss House as champions of our inaugural Pride Cup and victors of all three sporting carnivals.
“Emma applied herself to every aspect of school life with dedication, enthusiasm and pride … (and) displayed the highest ethical standards in her conduct this year.
“During prefect meetings, she was always willing to present ideas, and was one of the first to volunteer when work needed to be achieved.”
Throughout her schooling, Emma showed care and empathy for younger students, and would strive to encourage others.
“Emma is an excellent role model, mentor, classmate and student, particularly in her commitment and the way that she positively represents the core values of our great school.”
Holy Spirit College
Riley Beggs
Riley was awarded a mechanical apprenticeship with Matt Stone Racing, with the year 12 graduate setting out on his chosen career.
“This means he will be learning, working and travelling with the V8 Supercars team on their national circuit, and hopefully still finding time to continue his own race car driver dreams,” a school spokesman said.
“Riley has already started and has joined the crew in Bathurst for the 7-Day Repco Bathurst 1000 (November 30 to December 5).”
The Daily Mercury contacted all the high schools from across the Mackay region.
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