Academic honours 2020
Scottsdale High School
• Tegan Gofton and Sophie Clark were named joint Dux of Scottsdale High School yesterday.
Special young achievers Sophie Clark and Tegan Gofton have been recognised for their exceptional commitment to the school year being named joint Dux of Scottsdale High School for 2020.
The year ten students were presented the highest academic achievement yesterday after showcasing hard work, dedication and sacrifice to not only this school year but every year.
Advanced Skills Teacher Brittany Walker said both of the girls work effectively in a range of contexts, independently, with others, and one on one with their teachers.
“2020 has been a very challenging year for all.
“As you are all aware in term two, students moved to online learning which wasn’t easy to adapt to.
“Both of these students worked extremely hard to rise against adversity, problem solve and show determination to not let this hinder their learning outcomes.
“This is a huge reflection of their maturity and dedication to their studies,” she said.
Ms Walker explained it had been inspiring to see two young people balance their involvement in extra-curricular activities, achieve well above standard in all learning areas and be the genuine and respectful students they are on a daily basis.
“I speak on behalf of their peers and the wider school community when I say that we have all enjoyed their character, humble nature, and the goal of receiving a holistic and true education,” she said.
Upon receiving their award both girls thanked their peers, teachers and families for pushing them to achieve their best in a supported environment.
“Throughout the year I have tried my best in everything and have achieved well, but I never expected to be presented with such a significant award.
“I am very proud to have achieved this and it shows that hard work pays off,” Teagan said.
Sophie said attaining the title of Dux was something she always strived for.
“However, it's not something one achieves on their own; it takes many special people to influence one to successfully accomplish such a significant goal,” she said.
“Over my years of high school, I have witnessed a significant change in culture across Scottsdale High School and I deem my role in this with high regard.
“Having the right mindset in which you have the dedication and motivation to try and give everything your all is what has got me this far.
“If you believe in yourself, you know what you want and are willing to work hard for it, nothing can stand in your way.”
Sophie has a dual enrolment at Scottsdale High and Newstead College next year while Tegan will be attending Scotch Oakburn College in 2021.
Both have plans to attend university, but they are still unsure of their career pathway, as they say, the world is your oyster.
Winnaleah District High School
• Winnaleah District High School student Holly Radford.
Holly Radford has taken out Winnaleah District High School’s top academic award, being named Dux of the school at last Wednesday’s presentation day.
The hard-working grade 10 student said she’s had the accolade in her sights for several years.
“I was very happy, excited and proud of myself when I found out I’d won the award,” she said.
“It was a goal that I’d set for myself and have been working towards it my whole schooling life.”
With a love for maths and science, Holly will relocate to Launceston next year to continue her education at Newstead College.
She plans to study mainly science subject to support her future career goal of becoming an osteopath.
“To start with I wanted to be a physiotherapist but last year when I did work experience there weren’t any physiotherapists available so I went to an osteopath,” Holly said.
“I ended up enjoying that more and realised that’s what I wanted to do.
“I’ve always wanted to help people in some way and that’s one way I’ve found I could do it.”
The hard work is not over for Holly yet, with her focus now shifting on getting the Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) required to pursue a degree in osteopathy at a university in Melbourne.
As well as succeeding in academic subjects, Holly has a keen interest in performing arts and plans to continue this love in her college years where she hopes to be involved in the school productions.
Raised in Derby, Holly has attended Winnaleah District High since kindergarten.
She said she has a mix of nerves and excitement about leaving the school and starting her new schooling chapter at Newstead College.
“I’d just like to say thanks to all my teachers and family who have supported me throughout my schooling life and in general because I wouldn’t be who I am today without them,” she concluded.