Sunshine Coast schools reveal top English and maths students for 2025
Sunshine Coast high schools have identified their brightest mathematical and literary minds, with several students performing years above their age level.
More than 20 Sunshine Coast high school students have been chosen by their schools as excelling in maths and English subjects.
Schools from Sunshine Beach to Maleny nominated outstanding high school students with achievements in either English or maths.
Read what the teachers said:
Sunshine Beach State High School
ENGLISH
Asha Gray (year 7)
Asha is an extremely mature student and a critical thinker with a perceptive understanding of the world.
Mila Jones (year 8)
Mila has a genuine passion for excellence and self-improvement, making her a stand-out member in the classroom.
Her energy and enthusiasm set her apart as a model learner.
MATH
Scarlett Newell (year 9)
Scarlett has achieved outstanding results across all faculties including mathematics.
Her approach to learning is exemplary and her results reflect her excellent efforts.
Kai Barrett (year 7)
Kai has topped his year in mathematics at Sunshine Beach State High School.
He has an amazing aptitude for mathematics and is yet to drop a mark in the 2025 exams.
Kawana Waters State College
MATH
Leon Fish and Daniel Turner (year 12)
Leon Fish (left, in the blue shirt) was awarded dux of Kawana Waters State College for 2025. He achieved an exceptional 47/50 in Mathematical Methods and 49/50 in Specialist Mathematics leading into his external examinations. Daniel Turner (right) also demonstrated outstanding academic achievement, earning 48/50 in both Mathematical Methods and Specialist Mathematics.
In addition, Daniel received the Queensland University of Technology Faculty of Engineering Dean’s Award (2025), recognising his excellence in the field.
Leon and Daniel also received an Engineers Australia Certificate of Excellence for achievements in Engineering Science at Kawana Waters State College.
ENGLISH
Matilda McKean (year 12)
Matilda has excelled in her English studies in her six years at KWSC, culminating in her outstanding achievements in Literature and Extension English and Literature in Year 12 this year, alongside her recognition as joint dux proximus.
Congratulations Matilda, we are so proud of your amazing efforts.
Emilia Merollini (year 7)
Emilia is one of our current year 7 students whose love of reading, flair for writing and dedication to her studies, has seen her excel in all of her subjects in 2025.
Thank you for the passion, joy and energy you bring to our classrooms Emilia.
Maleny State High School
MATH
Amara (year 7)
Amara brings a really positive attitude to maths and always gives her best effort.
She takes the time to think things through carefully and approach challenges with persistence and curiosity.
Connor (year 8)
He brings a genuine love of learning to Mathematics, approaching every challenge with curiosity and determination.
His strong problem-solving skills, deep conceptual understanding, and confident application of logical reasoning allows him to consistently achieve outstanding results across all areas of the subject.
Mary Valley State College
ENGLISH/MATHS
Indi (year 7)
Indi is an aspiring school leader who values education and the arts, and has won many awards for her Academic achievements and Community Service since enrolling in year 7.
Sunshine Coast Grammar School
ENGLISH
Toby Creamer (year 12)
A passionate and insightful scholar, Toby Creamer (year 12) approaches literature with remarkable creativity and diligence, consistently demonstrating a deep appreciation for the power of language.
Olivia Randle (year 8)
With quiet dedication and intellectual curiosity, Olivia Randle (year 8) brings imagination and precision to every aspect of her English studies, exemplifying both humility and excellence in her craft.
MATH
Sahana Shailendran (year 8)
Sahana is an exceptional mathematician who puts enormous amounts of efforts into all her pursuits, both in the classroom and across a number of mathematical competitions where she represents the school with pride.
Lucas Lee (year 9)
Already working at level a year above his age, Lucas shines in his performance in mathematics as well as his strategic and creative approach to his other love, chess.
Beerwah State High School
ENGLISH
Both girls have achieved straight As, whilst also excelling in other subjects and extra-curricular activities.
Rian was also the school’s junior dux at our recent awards night.
Shaylah also is a member of our dance company where she has been part of many dances winning state finals as well.
Rian Cabahug (year 9)
Shaylah Hanson-Brody (year 9)
Nambour State College
MATHEMATICS
Shai-Lee Gingell (year 7)
Shai-Lee Gingell stands out for exceptional mathematical ability and curiosity, excelling in a year 9 maths class while still in year 7 and demonstrating a deep passion for problem-solving and robotics.
Meridan State College
MATHEMATICS
Tonda Parizek (year 7)
Is currently studying year 10 Mathematical Methods Prep whilst being in year 7.
Was also the only student to get 5 out of 5 in the Regional QAMT Y7&8 maths Competition.
Jayden Dawson (year 12)
Jayden is entering the external exams with 100 per cent for Math Methods, a sign of his dedication to learning/study.
ENGLISH
Elizabeth Hunt (year 11)
The recipient of the English and literature subject award this year.
Her team the Year 9/10 Sunshine Coast Readers Cup in 2023 and 2024 and made it to state finals where her team won the state prize for creating the best book trailer video.
Has entered the Lions Youth of the Year for the past two years and won best public speaker in 2023.
Spends much of her spare time (including lunch breaks at school) co-writing a novel with Tamila.
Tamila Anderson (year 11)
Won the Year 9/10 Sunshine Coast Readers Cup in 2023 and 2024 and made it to state finals where her team won the state prize for creating the best book trailer video.
Recently had a short film she made showcased at Caloundra Events cinemas as part of our Meridan SC Arts Showcase.
Spends much of her spare time (including lunch breaks at school) co-writing a novel with Liz (Elizabeth).
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