St Bernard’s College student Sebastian Khoury diagnosed with stage four Hodgkin’s lymphoma in year 10

On the cusp of the most serious school years of his life, St Bernard’s College student Sebastian Khoury received a shock cancer diagnosis that disrupted his study plans.

For St Bernard’s College student Sebastian Khoury, year 12 exams aren’t just about concluding 13 years of schooling, but also celebrating the unexpected challenges he overcame along the way.

Sebastian’s school journey was mostly ordinary – he was a dedicated student where being the “smartest, hardest working kid was a big part of my identity”.

St Bernard's College Year 12 student Sebastian Khoury preparing to sit the English exam. Picture: Jason Edwards

But a shock cancer diagnosis in March 2022 meant his education took a back seat, with stage four Hodgkin’s lymphoma becoming an unexpected life hurdle.

“I was in year 10 – that stage where school starts to get a bit more serious – and a cancer diagnosis was really shattering for me at the time because my biggest worry wasn’t about my health, it was that I wasn’t going to be able to keep up with school,” he said.

“It was a lot to emotionally process. I went into this survival mode and it wasn’t until after chemo when it hit me that I actually had stage four cancer.”

Sebastian Khoury survived cancer and is about to commence his VCE exams. Picture: Jason Edwards

Hodgkin’s lymphoma is a type of blood cancer that develops in the lymphatic system. Sebastian underwent six months of intense chemotherapy before he went into remission.

When he recovered and returned to school, Sebastian shared his experience with cancer to reinvigorate St Bernard’s blood drive.

“I stepped into this role as ministry captain … and I shared my experience about how I received blood transfusions in hospital which encouraged others to donate (blood),” he said.

He and his mum also wrote a memoir – titled The Worst, Best Year – about his cancer journey, which is expected to be published towards the end of the year.

Asked how he was feeling about the upcoming English test, the Year 12 student – who scored study scores of 49 in Business and 47 in Biology last year – said “even if I don’t succeed and get the results I’m looking to achieve, I know I have given it my all”.

Sebastian Khoury and his mum Natalie Khoury with his book. Picture: Jason Edwards

“I have this philosophy that if you put the hard work in, then it’s pretty hard to not have some success,” he said.

While working hard was part of his recipe for success, Sebastian also swore by his “Sunday rule” where every Sunday he took a break from homework to focus on his mental health.

St Bernard’s College Principal Michael Davies said Sebastian was an “absolute inspiration” for the school community.

“The way in which he has overcome cancer, navigated his studies and given so openly and generously in the service of others is a remarkable achievement,” he said.

“We have every confidence he will go on to do great things, starting with his medical degree, as he seeks to help other young people through their cancer journey as he did.’’

The year 12 English exam will be held from 9am on Tuesday October 29.

When it comes to twins, Haileybury wins

The college has nine sets completing VCE this year.

Of the 497 students in the Melbourne school’s year 12 cohort — not including those who study online at Haileybury Pangea — 18 of them have a twin.

Nine sets of twins are finishing VCE at Haileybury College this year. Picture: Mark Stewart

The Herald Sun interviewed the students about their plans and discovered all intended to go to university.

Three planned a gap year, while 15 intended to begin a degree next year.

“I’m going to be a snowboarding instructor in Canada next year, then come back and study design at uni,” Phoebe Munro said.

Most want to do something different to their siblings after graduation, but that’s not the case for three sets of twins.

Harry and Mitch Tuffley said they planned to study commerce, though Mitch was also pondering business.

Karen and Kelvin Cheng’s plans are even more aligned, both aiming to enrol in science at the University of Melbourne.

But Arvin Jiao and his twin brother Kevin Dai take the cake, with identical ideas.

“I want to do a bachelor of commerce at the University of Melbourne next year and be an entrepreneur,” Mr Jiao said.

“I actually want to do the exact same thing as my brother next year and in the future,” Mr Dai said.

Five of the students want to study commerce, while six plan to pursue business degrees.

They attend three of Haileybury’s five campuses, Berwick, Brighton and Keysborough.

Originally published as St Bernard’s College student Sebastian Khoury diagnosed with stage four Hodgkin’s lymphoma in year 10