The top achievers and award recipients from the Class of 2023 were presented to students and staff at our Top Achievers’ Assembly on Tuesday 6 February. Each recipient brought their gifts and talents to their studies and were rewarded with academic excellence. One of the greatest factors that contributed to their success was their ability to persist with the support of their family and peers. They stand as beacons of hope to all students who aspire to achieve academic excellence or simply be an outstanding community member at MLMC.
Below are the 2023 Top Achievers:
- Vivienne Mackenzie, with an ATAR of 91.6, has been offered a place at University of Melbourne studying Arts. Vivienne received the top score in VCE Unit 3-4 Theatre Studies in 2022 and VCE Unit 3-4 Drama in 2023 and has been selected to perform at the VCE Season of Excellence Top Acts for the second time. Read more about it HERE.
- Jasmine Steele, with an ATAR of 91.95, has been offered a place at University of Melbourne studying Science
- Elena Atanasovski, with an ATAR of 92.05, has been offered a place at Deakin University Melbourne studying Primary Teaching
- Lauren Frazzetto, with an ATAR of 92.45, has been offered a place at Swinburne University of Technology studying Interior Architecture (Honours)
- Olivia Licciardi, with an ATAR of 92.85, has been offered a place at Deakin University Melbourne studying Commerce/Law
- Alisson Tellez Pedraza, with an ATAR of 92.9, has been offered a place at Swinburne University of Technology studying Interior Architecture (Honours) (ABS)
- Max Biddiscombe, with an ATAR of 93.3, has been offered a place at RMIT University studying Chemistry/Engineering — Chemical (Honours)
- Daniel Glennon, with an ATAR of 94.4, has been offered a place at La Trobe University Melbourne studying Biomedicine
- Alice Vardy, with an ATAR of 95.2, has been offered a place at Monash University Clayton studying Nutrition Science — Scholars Program (Dietetics Pathway)
- Our College Dux Carissa Manger achieved an ATAR score of 97.65 and has been offered a place at University of Melbourne studying Science (ABS).
Carissa received the highest Study Scores in Biology, English Language (40 plus) and Japanese as well as Psychology (40 plus) in Year 11. In Year 12 she also studied Chemistry and Maths Methods and received the VCE Baccalaureate.
Carissa was the Science Prefect in 2023. In her time here, Carissa participated in Tournament of the Minds in the STEM category (being a mentor in Year 11), she was an enthusiastic contributor to Japanese cultural activities, and had a great interest in Agriculture and Environmental Science.
It is worth noting that these top achievers are part of a cohort whose pathway aspirations are as follows:
- 96% of VCE/VET students who applied for a tertiary placement received a first round offer from university
- 92% of VCE students received an offer from their top four preferences
- 22% received an offer for a course through TAFE and independent colleges.
- 100% of VCE Vocational Major students enrolled in VCE VM completed their course and will be entering the apprenticeships, traineeships and the workforce with a VET qualification.
The Top Achievers’ Assembly also featured a speech from the Catherine McAuley Award recipient, Thomas Hobley, and a video message speech from the Dux, Carissa. Both spoke of the many ways they were inspired through the Mercy Education values and how being involved in the College helped them explore and discover more about themselves and their world.
Joint recipients of the award for Top VCE Vocational Major student were Oliver Bree and Gabriel Griffin.
Professor John Funder, AC in Medical Research and close friend of Dr Wally Zuk, presented the Wally Zuk Award to Fraser Beyer (Class of 2022) and Sophie Morris (Class of 2023). Each received a certificate and $1500 towards their studies in a Bachelor of Agriculture at Melbourne University.
Recipients of the VCE Baccalaureate Award for 2023 were also recognised and we congratulate Elena Atanasovski, Carissa Manger, Mariano Martinez, Mariz Sewiha, Riley Spencer, Jasmine Steele and Alice Vardy.
As a College, we congratulate these top achievers and are humble in the role we have played in their journey through learning at MLMC.
Thomas Hobley addresses the student body.
Wally Zuk Award recipient Fraser Beyer (Class of 2022) and guests with Principal Mr Philip Morison.
