Scoresby Secondary College student achieves 94.10 VCE score for Melbourne University offer

Erwin Diesta could not speak fluent English when he started year 7 at Scoresby Secondary College. But now the self-taught keyboardist smashed his VCE out of the park with an ATAR score of 94.10.

Scoresby Secondary College student Erwin Diesta.

After starting Year 7 without being able to speak fluent English, this Scoresby high school graduate is now destined for biomedicine at Melbourne University.

At his valedictory, Erwin Diesta gave an “eloquent” farewell address to Scoresby Secondary College — something he said he could not have done a few years earlier.

The Filipino-born Year 12 student said he was amazed to be delivering a speech (in English) when he “couldn’t even construct a sentence fluently” in Year 7.

But after starting at the Scoresby school in Year 9, Erwin said his nervousness prompted him to persevere in learning better English.

Scoresby Secondary College student Erwin Diesta taught himself how to play the keyboard.

Now the 18-year-old has gone beyond his expectations and achieved a 94.10 ATAR score.

“I’m really happy with how I went,” Erwin said.

“I’ve moved my first preference from bio-med at Monash University to Melbourne University.”

And his principal had nothing but pride for Erwin, who said he had worked exceptionally hard at everything he did.

“He’s been working part time with Villa Maria, and he wrote an amazing creative writing piece about aged care,” Ms Major said.

“He will make the most caring doctor.”

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She said the language barrier for non-English speaking students could be quite significant but Erwin had excelled, achieving high scores throughout 2018 and 2019.

Ms Major said Erwin had taught himself how to play the keyboard and recently performed at Knox Council’s art show.

“He’s made sure he’s given back to the community as well as focusing on his studies,” she said.

Erwin said he loved chemistry and physical education, but also played the keyboard to de-stress.

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In his speech he said he had come to the school with a heavy heart, not knowing anyone, but now feels the same way leaving after becoming part of a family of students.

“I encourage you all to believe that no matter what happens, no matter how many mistakes we make, those shortcomings are just lessons to propel us forward to our future,” he said.

“Year 12 has tested my limits and my optimism in life, but my believe in one thing remains the same; anyone who endures hardships conquers all.”

Labor state Education MP James Merlino congratulated the class of 2019 for completing VCE.

“Thank you to the parents, friends and teachers across the state who have provided encouragement and guidance to help this year’s VCE and VCAL students reach this educational milestone,” Mr Merlino said.

“For some students, this may not be the result you wished for but just remember that your results do not define you. There are many pathways to success including higher education, TAFE, traineeships and full-time work.”