Logan high schools’ dux winners for 2019
We asked schools across Logan to share the stories of their top students of 2019. Join us in celebrating the success of some of our best and brightest young people.
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LOGAN has some of the brightest minds in the country and here is out list of top achievers for 2019.
Logan schools, students and teachers performed well throughout 2019 with many secondary colleges and schools receiving top state awards and bettering previous NAPLAN results.
BRISBANE’S TOP STUDENTS OF 2019 REVEALED
BEAUDESERT STATE HIGH — SHAE-ANNE WILLMANN
SCHOOL captain Shae-Anne Willmann was named dux of Beaudesert State High School for 2019. The accolade was in recognition of outstanding academic results achieved in her final year of schooling. Shae-Anne gained Very High Achievement results for all six subjects studied. She also received multiple Year 12 Subject Awards for agricultural science, biological science, chemistry, English, and Japanese. At the school’s Awards Night in October, Shae-Anne was also presented the Jim Enright Memorial Trophy and Caltex Award for all-round Performance. Shae-Anne hopes to study veterinary science at university in 2020.
BEENLEIGH STATE HIGH — ADRIAN VIDAD
Adrian is a responsible, reliable and genuinely respectful student who demonstrated an incredibly focused attitude towards his studies, and never left a stone unturned. Adrian set high expectations for himself, and reached those goals through a combination of enthusiasm and persistence. His teachers admired him for the calm and controlled matter in which he approached all tasks. Adrian hopes to study in the area of his passion next year, undertaking a Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering. He is an extremely hard working young man, and the school was honoured to have assisted him to excel in his field.
BEENLEIGH STATE HIGH ACHIEVERS
YEAR 7: Mia Chapman: Top of Year 7: Award of Excellence and Academic Award for English and Cultural Excellence Award for Music.
YEAR 8: Harmony Te Hau: Top of Year 8: Award of Excellence; Academic Award – Japanese; Sport Award – Half Colour: Volleyball
YEAR 9: Lydiah Faleolo: Top of Year 9: Award of Excellence; Academic Award – Science, Geography, History, Graphics & Technology; Visual Art; Cultural Excellence Award for Music.
YEAR 10: Phoenix Tulimaiau Top of Year 10: Award of Excellence; Cultural Excellence Award – Dance, Drama; Sport Award – Half Colour – Rugby League; Sport Award – Full Colour – Rugby League.
YEAR 11 Nikaia Tawa-Rangi: Top of Year 11: Award of Excellence; Academic Award – General English, Chemistry; Sport Award – Half Colour – Volleyball.
BROWNS PLAINS STATE HIGH SCHOOL — GUAN-JIA HUANG
Browns Plains State High principal Blair Hanna said it was wonderful to recognise Guan-Jia Huang’s superb academic achievements in 2019, and award her Dux. She was also awarded the chemistry, mathematics B, mathematics C and physics Top of Subject Awards.
Along with her senior studies at Browns Plains High she completed the Enhanced Studies Program at the University of Queensland, course MATH1051, Calculus and Linear Algebra with distinction. She also completed an external subject at Brisbane School of Distance Education, for Philosophy and Reason, where she received the highest mark possible for the subject. She also received a Distinction in the Australian mathematics Competition (AMC) three years in the row. At Browns Plains State High, she immersed herself in her studies but became deeply involved with inspiring her peers to strive for their best. In 2020, Guan-Jia aims to further her study in mathematics.
CHISHOLM CATHOLIC COLLEGE CORNUBIA — ALEX WATSON: DUX 2019
Alex was the top of Year 12 this year after studying English, mathematics B, mathematics C, chemistry, physics and Religion.
He gained experience living overseas when he completed a study exchange in Sweden.
The 17-year-old also plays saxophone and even completed a physics subject at Griffith University this year. He was a well-liked student and was voted in as a house captain.
CHISHOLM CATHOLIC COLLEGE CORNUBIA — EUGENE CHO: DUX 2018
Eugene, 18, was Chisholm’s top academic this year, completing year 12 after studying English, Japanese, mathematics B, mathematics C, chemistry and religion last year.
She was known throughout the campus as a quiet, determined and studious student.
She has already completed her first year of Psychology at university with great success.
JOHN PAUL COLLEGE — MINUKA MENDIS
OVERCOMING stress at exam time was one of the hurdles for John Paul College Dux for 2019, Minuka Mendis in her pursuit of an OP1.
As many students understand, the dazzling academic put a lot of pressure on herself to do her absolute best but she also realised it was not always impossible to be perfect.
“There are times that you will fail to reach your short-term goals but that does not mean you should give up on your long-term goals,” she said.
Time management was also a major obstacle for the Year 12 student who was part of concert choir, chamber orchestra, Sinfonia Strings, basketball team, netball team and debating team.
She also held the position of Senior School Vice Captain.
“There were many late nights and after school tutorials but with a lot of courage and persistence, I was able to keep pushing till the end,” she said.
“After going through this year, I am more aware of my limits and know that it is important to take a break sometimes.”
She said there were no words to describe how thankful she was to all her teachers and said they were always prepared to answer endless questions and to stay back for after school tutorials.
“Before nearly every exam, they would happily agree to personally meet up with me to answer my last-minute queries. Throughout the year, there were times where I couldn’t reach my goals and they were always there to help me find a way to reach my aspirations.
“I have to give special mention to my Head of Year, Dawn Boland, for her endless support. If I ever was stressed or overwhelmed, her office door was wide open.”
Next year, Minuka hopes to study a double degree in architecture and engineering at the Queensland University of Technology.
She hopes to one day start her own engineering firm and make a difference in the world by designing new and innovative buildings that take advantage of the environment.
JOHN PAUL COLLEGE — TIFFANY WANG TEACHERS’ PRIZE
When John Paul College student Tiffany Wang arrived in Australia she struggled with communication because she was shy and had difficulty expressing herself in English.
But over the years, she has gained confidence and more open. In year 12, she was kept busy with assessments and a study workload but looked for help from teachers and I tried her best to achieve her goals. She said she did not want to let her family or teachers down.
“The teachers are really supportive at John Paul College and helped me with everything,” Tiffany said. “After graduating, I would like to study law at university because I want to uphold justice and speak up for those in need. “In 10 years’ time, I think I will be a good lawyer helping people to maintain the rights they deserve. “Hopefully, my family, friends, and people who have helped me, will be even more proud of me then.”
KINGSTON STATE COLLEGE — CHARITY KAJTAR
In 2019, Charity Kajtar returned to Kingston State College to complete Year 12 after a year of overseas study. Through hard work and determination, she worked to overcome any shortfalls and was rewarded with four honour awards in English, drama, music and music extension. Charity also excelled in a variety of extra-curricular fields including singing, debating and drama. As an extremely talented actor, she fully immersed herself in drama by challenging what she knew about society and herself. She created play scripts and analytical essays of high standard and transformed herself into characters that belonged on a professional stage. She is known for her kindness and always had time for both staff and students. Charity’s 2020 tertiary pathway is to study a Bachelor of Engineering Technology in Electronic and Computer Engineering at Griffith University.
LOGANLEA STATE HIGH SCHOOL — ZOE JONES
Loganlea State High School’s 2019 Dux, Zoe Jones, is an amazing all-round performer who somehow balances commitments to a range of artistic pursuits, academic results and her responsibilities as a school captain. At this year’s annual awards evening, Zoe was recognised as the top achiever in all six subjects she studied — mathematics B, English, Chinese, visual art, drama and music. On the night, Zoe’s talent and consistent dedication to the arts was recognised when she was awarded Musician of the Year, Artist of the Year, Actor of the Year and, unsurprisingly, the overall Arts Achievement Award. Her musicianship was recognised at a wider level when her performance was the winning entry for the Logan Idol best original song. In recognition of the breadth of her involvement in school life, in 2019, Zoe was also awarded the Caltex All-rounder Award. In addition to these achievements, throughout 2019 Zoe fulfilled her role as School Captain with integrity and responsibility. She was an inspiring role model and ambassador for her school, proudly representing Loganlea State High School at events. In 2020, Zoe will work towards a Bachelor of Visual Arts, a field in which she will be very successful.
MABEL PARK STATE HIGH SCHOOL — KAI STEVENSON
Kai Stevenson was named Dux of Mabel Park State High School at the School’s Award Evening this week. He is an ambitious person who pushes himself continually to achieve his goals. Kai has been an active member of the Performing Arts and Cultural Leadership teams, showing real talent as a musician and a leader within the school. He strives for excellence in everything he does and, as a result of this determination and persistence, he received multiple awards, including an academic excellence award, cultural excellence award and the subject awards for drama, mathematics A and music. Kai embodies what it means to be a Mabel Park student. He is an exemplar for all year levels and is well respected by peers and staff. Even in areas he excels, he pushes himself to be better. Kai is kind and compassionate, always seeking to help wherever he can. He creates positivity, and inspires kindness and respect for all with his smile and sense of humour. Kai is a credit to himself, his family and his community and deserves to be acknowledged for his hard work at Mabel Park State High School. He will undoubtedly succeed in any avenue he chooses and will continue to be a positive light in the lives of those around him. Next year, he will complete a year of Theology studies, and then will begin a degree in computer science at university.
MARSDEN STATE HIGH — LYDIA ABER-ONEN
Lydia Aber-Onen has demonstrated academic excellence over many years at Marsden State High School. She is a quiet and determined young lady who gained a Very High Achievement in five of her six subjects, including mathematics C, mathematics B, chemistry, biology and Chinese. Lydia is pursuing a career in dentistry and will continue to be an inspiration to the students of Marsden and the wider community with her dedication and commitment to learning.
PARK RIDGE STATE HIGH SCHOOL — RYAN McCORKINDALE
Ryan McCorkindale epitomises Park Ridge State High School’s vision of excellence in all he does. He is a dedicated, hardworking student who is well respected by his peers for his persistence and motivation to achieve and be the best he can. He has been an active member in a number of school subject area’s demonstrating a quiet, unassuming personality, always working hard to achieve his goals. Ryan excelled at the school’s award night, receiving an academic excellence award along with the subject awards for math B, math C. In 2020, Ryan is looking to gain entrance into a degree in actuarial science.
SHAILER PARK STATE HIGH — KATHLEEN HUGGIN
Shailer Park State High School was proud to have Kathleen Huggin as its 2019 Dux. Kath is a dedicated student and leader and assumed the role of Academic Captain for the year with the support of her peers, teachers and administration staff. She was involved in many aspects of school and community life, not only achieving Senior Dux, University of Queensland achievement award, the Mick de Brenni Award, and instrumental musician of the year. Kath topped her subjects English, math B, math C and Japanese. She is also heavily involved in science ambassadors and gymnastics. Kath is a model student at Shailer Park High and the school wished her all the best for a bright future.
SPRINGWOOD STATE HIGH SCHOOL — CHLOE ANTILL
Springwood State High School’s Dux of 2019 Chloe Antill, epitomises the school’s core values of respect, industry and co-operation. Chloe is an amazing young woman — hardworking, respectful and committed to achieving her goals. Chloe has been an exemplary student, and has a record of outstanding academic achievement across all domains. She is much loved and respected by staff and students. She was well supported by caring parents. Leadership and extra-curricular involvement were a key feature of Chloe’s time at Springwood. She was part of the Beacon Ambassador program, a Junior Secondary Captain and recently a Springwood State High School Ambassador. Chloe aims to study physiotherapy with a further view to a career in medicine. She is a determined, motivated and an exceptional student. The Springwood High community is very proud of her achievements as the Dux of 2019.
WINDAROO VALLEY STATE HIGH — DECLAN HAY
The Dux of Windaroo Valley State High School for 2019, Declan Hay, is by any description a very high achiever. As a highly motivated self-starter, he sought continual improvement with all of his subjects. He was the top achieving student for modern history, maths B and maths C, a recipient of a STAR award and a Silver Academic Award. One of his passions is mathematics and his aim is to pursue a degree in mathematics at the University of Queensland. Upon completion, he then plans to complete his Master’s degree in Education and impart his passion on to the next generation of learners.
WOODRIDGE STATE HIGH SCHOOL — NAMKORNG YOU
Namkorng You arrived in Australia in 2016 and entered Year 9 with limited English. He has been at school every single day as he really values his education. For Nam, a good education is the key to unlocking future goals of becoming a successful person who is able to help other people and support his family. He has always been interested in science and maths and consistently achieves an A grade for these subjects. His dream is to become a general practitioner, as he really wants to help people in the community and give them good advice about being healthy and being able to care for their families. He plans to study a Bachelor of Health Sciences at UQ then continue to study a Doctor of Medicine. He came to Australia with his mother and brother as an immigrant in December 2015. His father is the primary support for the family and works away from home. Nam only sees his father for one week every month. Nam’s mother does not speak English and therefore experiences difficulties finding employment. His parents are very supportive of his dream to become a GP and he is working consistently to make them proud. The school said it was an honour to have had Namkorng You as part of the Woodridge High community. He is part of the fabric that makes Woodridge High’s diversity strong. He is a shining example of the ability to achieve, given extraordinary circumstances.
Originally published as Logan high schools’ dux winners for 2019
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