Duxes and top achievers: Meet the Sunshine Coast, Noosa top-ranked Year 12 students for 2021

From future engineers and business owners to doctors, the class of 2021 have huge aspirations. TOP ACHIEVERS AND DUXES REVEALED

The class of 2021 is set to take the world by storm with the high achievers from the Sunshine Coast and Noosa harbouring lofty ambitions.

The ATAR system, introduced last year, means many dux awards will not be finalised or awarded until 2022.

But high schools across the Sunshine Coast and Noosa have provided details of their top academic achievers in 2021.

Schools not listed are yet to announce their dux awards and we’ll update the list as more are announced.

Nambour State College

Curtis Neal has been named the 2021 dux of Nambour State College.

College principal Anthony Green applauded Curtis for both his character and exemplary academic record.

“Curtis is a highly motivated, hardworking and well-respected young man whose excellent grades are just a bonus on top of his ability and willingness to support and mentor his peers and friends,” Mr Green said.

“There’s no finer walking, everyday example of our College values than Curtis.”

Mr Green said Curtis has always been regarded by his teachers and peers as someone who is a humble, considerate and generous friend.

Immanuel Lutheran College

Immanuel Lutheran College captain Chloe Robinson received The Principal's Trophy for 2021.

Immanuel Lutheran College captain Chloe Robinson received The Principal’s Trophy for 2021.

Ms Robinson has plans to study a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) at Queensland University of Technology.

However, the fluent Mandarin speaker is also keen to return to China and live abroad, where she was prior to moving to the Sunshine Coast.

“Immanuel has been my second home for the past five years and I am eternally grateful for the teachers who have invested so much to help us strive for excellence in all aspects of life,” Ms Robinson said.

Glasshouse Christian College

Glasshouse Christian College dux of 2021 is Natalie Beakey, who came first in every single subject this year.

With her passion for research, data and anything to do with maths, Ms Beakey is planning a career in business and data science.

“I’ve always been good at maths and plan to use that to my advantage,” she said.

Ms Beakey plans to study double degree in Business and science at the University of Queensland and she is moving to Brisbane in readiness for her tertiary education.

“I’m still finding out what I enjoy and part of the excitement of university is exploring different pathways,” she said.

Sunshine Beach State High School

Stella Akenny has been awarded Year 12 Dux at Sunshine Beach State High School.

For the third consecutive year, Stella Akenny has been awarded dux of her grade as she prepares for her next step in life.

After enjoying the challenges of subjects such as chemistry and specialist maths, Ms Akenny wants to study a Masters of Engineering at the University of Queensland.

From there, she intends to specialise in medical engineering.

“I really want to work in genetic engineering,” the 2021 Year 12 dux said.

“I’m inspired by the way technology is impacting on medicine in ways that can help people.”

“I like knowing things, it makes me feel powerful.”

Caloundra City Private School

As one of Caloundra City Private School’s 2021 Captains, James Donnelly was awarded The Australian Defence Force (ADF) Long Tan Leadership and Teamwork Award, recognising his demonstrated leadership and teamwork within the school and broader local community.

He also secured The Henzell Ford Prize which honours the student in Year 12 who best exemplifies the School’s Motto of Excellence, Integrity and Learning.

Mr Donnelly’s commitment to his academic studies this year also saw him achieve overall Academic Distinction and Academic Endeavour awards for 2021.

He has received an early offer to study International Relations at the Australian National University in Canberra.

Molly Wright’s commitment to her academic studies this year saw her achieve overall Academic Distinction and Academic Endeavour awards for 2021.

She was also awarded The Joan Ford Memorial science Prize which recognises her display of outstanding aptitude for science as the top student in Chemistry and equal top in Biology.

Ms Wright was further awarded The Australian Defence Force (ADF) 2021 Future Innovators Award, recognising her demonstrated ability to innovate and learn in the fields of science, Technology, Engineering and maths.

With a passion for human biology and the brain, Molly aspires for a career in the medical science fields which she hopes to begin by pursuing a pre medicine university course, next year.

Maroochydore State High School

Zane Turner was awarded the 2021 dux for Maroochydore State High School.

He achieved outstanding results whilst undertaking a very demanding course of study.

Mr Turner is a MSHS Gold academic award winner and has attained an A in english, mathematical methods, specialist mathematics, biology, chemistry and physics.

Meanwhile, both Amelie White and Ben Willcocks were awarded the MSHS Best All-rounders award in recognition of their achievements in academics, cultural, sport, citizenship, membership of school committees and behaviour.

Mr Willcocks has also been the successful recipient of the Sir Samuel Griffith Scholarship at Griffith University.

Beerwah State High School

Brooke Ferguson, who was awarded the 2021 dux for Beerwah State High School, said she’s excited to pursue a career in civil engineering.

“It was something I didn’t go looking for but instead found me - in my little grade nine self at the USC STEM program,” she said.

“A job I had never considered, but to my discovery not only included my obscure love for maths, but will hopefully also push me creatively, and allow me to be continually learning and challenged.”

Ms Ferguson was awarded for her a string of achievements, including the Lions Citizenship award, the Pinnacle award, and academic excellence.

Mountain Creek State High School

Kate Regan is the QCAA dux for 2021 at Mountain Creek State High School.

Ms Regan also received an Excellence Scholarship at Bond University to take an accelerated program in Actuarial Science.

Her plan for the future includes entering a career in investment banking and is a keen open-water ski paddler.

Mountain Creek State High School students Jayden Young Saara Silvola and Guillaume Spencer are all IB dux candidate for 2021.

Mr Young served as school captain in 2020/2021 and has interviewed for medicine programs at JCU and UQ. He hopes to become an orthopaedic surgeon.

Mountain Creek State High School student Saara Silvola is being recognised for her high achievements.

Ms Silvola, who was the school STEM captain is a winner of a prestigious Peter Doherty Excellence in STEM award, has interviews for JCU and UNSW medicine as she aspires to become a paediatrician.

Mr Spencer plans on studying in the general field of engineering, urban planning and/or architecture.