NSW HSC First In Course 2020, meet this year’s brightest
The state’s top students gathered for a special celebration after being named First in Course 2020. We asked them what it took to achieve what they did and what they have planned next.
Manly
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The 118 students who achieved first place in the 2020 High School Certificate have been praised by Premier Gladys Berejiklian for enduring one of the most challenging years in a generation.
The students not only experienced bushfires – one saw his house catch fire – but also a drought and a pandemic.
“In a normal year finishing first in an HSC course is an outstanding achievement, and to do so in a year like 2020, is a credit to the dedication and talent of the students being recognised today.”
Just 16 were able to attend a special ceremony in Sydney on Thursday, while the others joined a presentation online from around the state.
More than 66,000 students completed their HSC this year.
There were 126 awards, with seven students topping more than one course.
That included Eszter Coombs, 18, who achieved three firsts for English Ext 2, Spanish Continuers, Spanish Ext.
‘MUM STARTED CRYING, IT WAS JUST SO SPECIAL’
Akina Li, 18, Eastwood
Pymble Ladies College
First in English Ext and Latin Ext
A love of Greek and Roman mythology meant Latin was an obvious choice for Akina Li.
Her enthusiasm for the subject has paid off after she topped the state in both Latin Ext and English Ext this year.
She said she always loved to read and knowing the roots of different languages was “just mind-blowing”.
However, Akina is planning to do something completely different next – neurosurgery.
She was inspired to become a neurosurgeon after reading Paul Kalanithi’s memoir When Breath Becomes Air, when she was younger.
Akina said her parents were more excited than she was at coming first in two subjects.
“My mum started crying and my dad was excited as well,” she said.
“It was just so special.”
She said advice from her teacher really helped her through the HSC.
“He said the HSC is a marathon and it is about perseverance and endurance,” she said.
“It’s really hard to keep up the momentum as the year feels really long.
“But you have to keep going and remind yourself there is light at the end of the tunnel.”
Now she is at the end of that tunnel, Akina said she will probably celebrate by just chilling out.
“I’m a homebody, so I’ll probably just relax and chill at home,” she said.
TRIPLE GLORY FOR LANGUAGE ACE ESZTER
Eszter Violet Coombs, 17
Fort Street High School and NSW School of Language in Petersham (online)
First in English Ext 2, Spanish Continuers and Spanish Extension.
“I did a pretty strange cocktail of subjects. I did history, English, and languages. When I was studying and I told people what I was doing they sort of acted like I was a bit insane,” she said.
Discovering her results came as a complete shock to Eszter, something she had not expected.
“I was actually asleep, it was around 1pm or 2pm. But I was in bed and my mother came and woke me up. I was a bit worried because in my English Advanced exam, I mixed up two of the sections. So I was kind of convinced that NESA (NSW Education Standards Authority) was going to tell me I got zero or because I made this error. But it wasn’t and it was great,” she said.
As many pressures and expectations are placed upon students in their final year, students need to remain focused on their passions, she said.
Growing up in London, Eszter attended the International Spanish School and began to learn Spanish in year one, before moving to Australia.
Her passion for Latin American culture and languages has increased her passion for being involved within the humanitarian sector.
Eszter has aims to study Arts/Law at the Australian National University (ANU) as well as take further courses in English and Latin American. However, she also has a secret motive to head into the world of the creative industries.
“I’ve always wanted to be a writer, but I feel a bit delusional admitting that to people. To want to be a director or writer-producer seems ridiculous because, well, everyone wants to be a writer.”
Eszter plans to continue studying languages and even learning Portuguese.
VOICEMAIL SURPRISE FOR MATHS CHAMP
Josh Abelev, 17, of Rose Bay
Cranbrook School
First in Maths Advanced
Everyone in Josh Abelev’s family is good at maths, but the teenager still managed to impress his parents by doing HSC a year early – and coming first in the state.
He said his dad who is an engineer and his mother who is a doctor are both competent mathematicians.
But he said they were “stoked” when they heard he had come first in the state out of more than 1000 people.
He said he originally missed the call telling him he had come first and only heard it on a voicemail.
“It was crazy,” he said. “My parents were pretty stoked.”
Not surprisingly, Josh did lots of study after school and at the weekends, but worked on concentrating on specific areas, rather than going through every question in his book.
He said he will continue his maths studies and will look to go to university when he finishes Year 12 next year to do engineering or science.
ENGLISH ACE USED COVID YEAR TO HER ADVANTAGE
Alexandra Gibb, 17, from Balora Maitland
Hunter Valley Grammar School
First in Advanced English
Holding high expectations for herself, Alexandra always believed that being state-ranked was a possibility.
“It was quite surreal. I wasn’t expecting it. It was definitely in the forefront of my mind that I could get a state ranking. I just finished the exam and I said, ‘I’m not going to think about it until the day the results come out,’” Alexandra said.
Although this year has been one of chaos, Alexandra was determined to work to the best of her abilities.
“Obviously it was really difficult this year, but that kind of was beneficial in a way because it taught us to be more independent.
“For my journey that was important. Instead of comparing myself to other people I just did the best I could,” she said.
Alexandra’s success has boosted her hopes of working for Amnesty International in the future.
“I’m hoping to do a double degree of law in international development. I’m hoping to go into human rights and specifically look at refugee policy in Australia,” Alexandra said.
PUB PARTY EXPECTED AS LACHLAN TOPS THE LOT
Lachlan Fisher, 18, Tumbarumba
Tumbarumba High School
First in Metal and Engineering
It’s been a tough year for Lachlan Fisher.
His home caught fire in the Black Summer bushfires, his parents split up and he underwent a fifth knee operation.
But the 18-year-old has done not just himself proud, but his home town too.
Tumbarumba, with a population of around 1,500, is around seven hours from Sydney and was declared a bushfire disaster zone after fires swept through in January.
Luckily his house received minimal damage but some of his friends lost everything.
His parents also decided to split during the HSC period and he made the difficult decision to move in with his grandmother so he could continue his studies, while his mother and four siblings moved to Bathurst.
However, the sacrifices were worth it, after he came top in his year for Metal and Engineering.
It will also mean he is the first member of his family to go to university.
“When someone came third in the state for one of their HSC subjects a few years ago the town celebrated,” he said.
“I reckon I’ll get a warm welcome when I walk in the pub on Friday night.”
Lachlan said he chose metal work because of his dad, who owns a small mechanics workshop.
He’s always hung around while his dad worked and he had been a “really big help and an inspiration”.
He said it was an amazing moment to see how proud his dad was when he found out that he had got top marks.
Lachlan said he would love to go to Newcastle University to study mechanical engineering and his dream was to eventually be an engineer for a racing car team.
HISTORY LOVER NOW LOOKING TO THE FUTURE
Genevieve Ball, 18, Martinsville
Merewether High School
First in Ancient History
“It was unexpected. I missed the initial call, I was brushing my teeth and I was like, ‘I don’t know this number, I am not taking this call’. Then I looked up the number and it was (NESA NSW Education Standards Authority),” Genevieve said.
However, she lowered her expectations when she began researching other reasons why they call students.
“I saw they call people for cheating but I didn’t cheat so maybe they are calling me in to read my handwriting and that’s so embarrassing, I didn’t expect to come first,” she said.
It has been a terrible year with Genevieve being forced to evacuate from the family home in Martinsville due to the fires.
However, completing seven subjects all focused on history allowed Genevieve to hone in on her interests and finish the year on a high.
Her advice for others is to do the same.
“Don’t do the things other people want you to do. In the long run, what subjects you do in the HSC aren’t going to be the determining factor of your future,” she said
Looking forwards, Genevieve is intending to continue down the history path, and perhaps even focus on Jewish studies.
“I want to do an arts degree at Sydney University but I’m not super sure. I’m thinking about history and political science. I’d love to work in a museum if I could. I mean, like that’s the pipe dream because I love museums,” she said.
SYRIAN REFUGEE ACES ARABIC HSC
Domna Alloush, 18, Blacktown
Arthur Phillip High School and Tyndale Christian School
First in Arabic Continuers
Just three years ago Domna Alloush lived in war-torn Syria and spoke no English.
Having moved to Australia as a refugee, along with her parents and two siblings, she has not only adjusted to a completely new culture, she has conquered the language and come first in her Arabic HSC.
As well as Arabic Continuers, she also took Arabic Extension, Maths Ext 1, Maths Ext 2 and Chemistry.
Domna said her parents and family back in Syria are proud of her and she is also pretty pleased with herself.
“I feel it is a great achievement for me,” she said.
“When I told my family, they were so happy as well, shocked a bit.”
Domna said she loved everything about Australia, the supportive community and especially her teachers.
“Everyone’s so nice, so supportive,” she said.
Next year Domna hopes to go to university and study something in the medical field and her dream is to go into dentistry.
IT AND FINANCE A MARRIAGE MADE IN HEAVEN FOR OLI
Oliver Crowther-Miller, 18, Illawarra
Menai High School
First in Information and Technology
Oliver Crowther-Miller fell in love with technology after his parents bought him his first computer in Year 1.
He began by tackling Word and PowerPoint and by the time he got to high school he was helping the teachers deliver technology in the classroom.
He said when COVID hit, the school was very well organised and able to roll out online learning, which was a massive benefit to the Year 12 cohort.
As well as the HSC, Oliver also competed in NSW VET in Schools WorldSkills competition, coming first in the Sydney region.
He was ready to compete in the national championships, but unfortunately COVID put a stop to it.
A work experience placement at the Reserve Bank of Australia in Year 10 sparked his interest in economics.
Now he plans to study Economics and Finance at the University of Wollongong, with a plan to pursue a career in computer modelling in the financial sector.
“I believe technology will reshape every facet of work in the finance industry,” he said.
“I’m studying economics and finance, but I love IT and can see myself adding that into my degree and that being a massive part of my work in the future.”
WORDS OF WISDOM FROM MATHS CHAMP
Jason Lin, 17, Beecroft
Knox Grammar High School
First in Maths Extension 1
Finding out he had ranked first for Maths Extension 1 was something Jason dreamt of.
“I was quite ecstatic, it was very surprising. But I wouldn’t be as cocky as to say I expected it. But I was working towards the state ranks and I was feeling quite anxious the days leading up to the call,” Jason said.
Jason hopes to begin studying medicine next year at the University of Sydney.
He also hopes that future HSC students keep an open mind and don’t have tunnel vision.
“Think of all the possibilities,” he said. “I firmly believe that you do not study for state rankings. You do the best that you can and the receiving state ranking is a by-product of that.”
‘I KNEW I DID WELL BUT NOT SURE HOW WELL’
Jason Liu, 17, Artarmon
James Ruse Agricultural High School
First in Agriculture
As next year’s School Captain Jason was somewhat worried when he was told he had to see the principal.
“I was really worried at first because all I got was a note from the office saying that I needed to go see the principal,” he said.
Jason was then handed a phone and told he had a call from NESA.
“I’m not sure what it’s about, but I think that you might have done something good,” he was told.
He said: “I knew I did well, but I wasn’t sure how well.”
But then he received the news he had been waiting for.
Jason has one more year of school but plans to study engineering in the future.
ZARA’S UNFORGETTABLE CALL TO LIFELONG FRIEND
Zara O’Mahoney, 18, Woronora
St Patrick’s College Sutherland
Ranked first in Construction
When Zara found out she had topped the lot her first thought was to call her lifelong friend Taylah Pye.
“I told Taylah first actually before I even told my family. I’ve been so excited to tell all my teacher and my classmates,” she said.
For Zara, she almost dropped Construction.
“I almost got convinced to do physics by one of the teachers at our school,” she said. “But in the end, I wanted to do construction.”
Zara has a keen interest in building sustainable living to create a better future.
“I want to do engineering,” she said. “I haven’t decided which major, probably around environmental engineering because I am interested in sustainable living.”
‘I WAS ECSTATIC ON THE PHONE, DOING A LITTLE DANCE’
Taylah Pye, 17, Woronora,
TAFE
First in Tourism, Travel, and Events
Taylah Pye was so ecstatic when she heard she came first in Tourism, Travel and Events she did a little dance.
“I tried to contain my excitement, but I didn’t think I would get such an achievement,” Taylah said.
She now aims to take her skills from the course and head into the world of environmental science, one of her passions.
Her initial plan was to go into travel and tourism but COVID has brought that to a halt.
Studying what you are interested in is something Taylah believes is important for all students.
“Don’t choose subjects based on what’s going to get you the marks, just do what you’re interested in,” she said.
“And pick little friendly competitions with the people who push you forward.”
‘I WAS JUMPING AROUND, I WAS SO EXCITED’
Andrew Malcolm, 17, Dural
Cherrybrook Technology High School
Frist in Maths Standard 2
Andrew Malcolm was not expecting to get a first in his course.
“When I found out I was jumping around,” he said. “I told my sister Nicole, my mum told my dad, I was so excited, I honestly wasn’t expecting it.”
Andrew wants to study medicine but is unsure of the direct route of study he will take.
After breaking his leg and dealing with one surgeon after the other, Andrew’s passion for the medical field began to grow.
“I want to be an orthopaedic surgeon,” he said.
“I want to make a change. Be some sort of benefit to people’s lives.”
To perform to the best of his ability, Andrew initially dropped from doing Advanced Maths in Year 11 to completing Maths Standard 2.
“I just stepped up on completing practice papers,” he said. “I didn’t do any of that ‘revision guidance’ that they recommend. I just did practice papers as much as I could.”
‘IT STILL HASN’T SUNK IN’
Sariena Ye, 17, Pennant Hills
James Ruse James Ruse Agricultural High School
First in Physics and Chemistry
Sariena Ye’s fascination with the all things science is leading her down the path to learn and understand how the world works.
“I’m going to university next year and starting with a science degree,” she said. “I’m not sure on subjects but I want to go in and explore all the different areas of science.”
She implores future HSC students to keep a healthy mind and body during their studies.
“Study smarter not harder,” she said.
“You have more time than you think, so take time to have breaks. Talk to your friends whenever you’re getting stressed, and just make sure to stay healthy.”
STUDYING WAS AN ESCAPE FROM 2020 FOR JACK
Jack Coleman, 17, Five Dock
Fort Street High School
Frist in Advanced Mathematics
With the rest of the HSC to finish next year, Jack still has a lot of work to do.
But he can relax for now and take pride in finishing first in Advanced Mathematics.
“I was feeling euphoria,” he said. “It was very shocking because I didn’t quite expect it.”
Reading the syllabus and completing 120 practice papers assisted Jack in achieving his result.
Although it was not just the practice papers that helped him through the year.
“I think just the other thing is the support of my friends and family and teachers,” he said.
“That’s been helpful in terms of my studying.”
Jack also found that studying was able to distract him from the chaos erupting in the world around him.
“You can take yourself out of the reality of the world and just sit down and study,” he said. “And studying has been a quick way to take a break from just everything going on this year.”
After completing his HSC next year Jack is hoping to study a Bachelor of Science and Mathematics.
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