South Burnett schools’ highest academic achievers revealed

From doctors to veterinarians, bush rangers and teachers, we found out the career paths chosen by the South Burnett’s brightest sparks. Read where they are now:

Take a look at where these former high school duxes from across the South Burnett region are now.

Surviving high school is an achievement enough, let alone finishing at the top of your class.

Take a look at where these former high school duxes from across the South Burnett region are now.

Jenna Irwin – Kingaroy State High School 2014.

Jenna Irwin

Kingaroy State High School’s 2014 dux Ms Irwin graduated from her studies in a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours) at the University of Queensland in 2022.

She is now a senior Occupational Therapist at the Princess Alexandra Hospital in Brisbane.

“I am currently working within the hands and plastics team, helping people with recovery of hand function following injury, illness or surgery to allow them to complete the activities which are meaningful to them,” Ms Irwin said.

“I am able to positively influence people’s lives and help them to achieve the activities that are meaningful,” she said.

Josee Currin – Kingaroy State High School 2021.

Josee Currin

Miss Currin is studying a Bachelor of Laws and Communications (majoring in Journalism) at the Queensland University of Technology.

“My favourite part of my recent endeavours has been experiencing a wider range of culture and livelihoods than offered in a small town,” the Kingaroy State High School’s 2021 dux said.

Miss Currin said she enjoyed expanding what she learnt at school and her degree was very rewarding.

“I plan on continuing my studies and going into either law or journalism or some combination of the two,” she said.

Callum Tucker – Kingaroy State High School 2016.

Callum Tucker

Mr Tucker completed a Bachelor of Advanced science (Honours) at the University of Queensland, including a year of research in a molecular cardiology lab.

“I will complete my Doctor of Medicine at the end of next year and I am currently situated at the Princess Alexandra Hospital,” the Kingaroy State High School 2016 dux said.

Mr Tucker said he enjoys the unique honour he has as a medical student to help people through some of their best and worst times.

“I also appreciate the problem solving and detective work required in diagnosing and treating various conditions,” he said.

Thilini Ranasinghe – Kingaroy State High School 2014.

Thilini Ranasinghe

Miss Ranasinghe began studying a Bachelor of science in 2015 and graduated from the University of Queensland with a Doctor of Medicine in 2021.

The Kingaroy State High School 2014 dux is now working as a doctor at the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital.

“I love how many people from all different walks of life I get to meet at my job, it’s truly a privilege to hear their stories,” Miss Ranasinghe said.

Bridey Wessling – Murgon State High 2021 dux.

Bridey Wessling

Murgon State High School’s 2021 dux Miss Wessling began studying a Bachelor of Nursing in 2022 as she wanted to be in an industry where she could help people.

“My favourite part of my degree is the large amount of placement, as I get to actually experience what I am studying for, which is really reassuring,” Miss Wessling said.

Kathleen Gogerly – Kingaroy State High School 2018 dux.

Kathleen Gogerly

Kingaroy State High School’s 2018 dux Miss Gogerly began studying a Bachelor of Primary Education at the University of Southern Queensland in Toowoomba in 2019 and was honoured to graduate as valedictorian in 2022.

She is now working as a Year 5 teacher at St John’s Lutheran School in Kingaroy, where she went to primary school.

Miss Gogerly said she enjoys making a difference in children’s lives.

“My favourite part of the job is seeing the unit planning come to life when the students are engaged in the topic and the rich discussions that this can generate,” she said.

Jamie-Lee Brown – Nanango State High School 2016 dux.

Jamie-Lee Brown

Nanango State High School 2016 dux Miss Brown pursued studies in Veterinary science at the University of Queensland in Gatton in 2017.

She graduated in 2021 with honours and started working in mixed animal practice at South East Country Vets in 2018.

She said from working outside the clinic with large animals or inside performing small animal surgeries or consults, there was never a dull moment.

“I enjoy working alongside a great team of like minded people to achieve a common goal of gold standard care of animals,” she said.

Zach Knight – Kingaroy State High School 2022 dux.

Zach Knight

Mr Knight is now studying a Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery degree at James Cook University in Townsville.

“Looking back at high school, even though quite recent for me, my core memories were special events such as athletics day, year 12 camp and formal,” he said.

Matthew Early – Nanango State High School 2019 dux.

Matthew Early

Mr Early is studying a dual degree in Mechanical engineering and Economics at the University of Queensland.

“One of my biggest achievements is being a recipient of the Pascoe Family Travelling Scholarship through King’s College,” he said.

Mr Early works for a drill and blast mining company as an undergraduate engineer.

Becky Miller – Nanango State High School 2015 dux.

Becky Miller

Nanango State High School 2015 dux Miss Miller was awarded the South Burnett Young Citizen of the Year award in 2016 and has completed a wildlife science Bachelor’s Degree and Certificate IV.

“I have recently moved to a new OO5 ranger position in the Carnarvon North management unit, working across the north section of Carnarvon National Park and other smaller parks and forests,” Miss Miller said.

“I love the huge variety, one day I will be attending planned burns, the next I will be conducting environmental health checks to assess pest damage.”

Emma Calvert – Nanango State High School 2017 dux.

Emma Calvert

Miss Calvert moved to Brisbane to begin a Bachelor of Design (honours) at the Queensland University of Technology.

She now works at Feather and Lawry Design in Toowoomba, “a multi-disciplined practice with projects ranging from commercial, residential, retail and educational”.

Miss Calvert said she meets with clients to understand their needs, selects finishes and fixtures and collaborates with other interior designers and architects to create the best outcomes for our clients.

“I really enjoy designing and documenting joinery and seeing the space come together with all the materials and fixtures, “ she said.

Mitchell De Weers- Nanango State High School 2018 dux.

Mitchell De Weers

Nanango State High School 2018 dux Mr De Weers moved to Brisbane in 2019 to begin a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) and an extended major in electrical engineering.

Originally published as South Burnett schools’ highest academic achievers revealed