Inaugural McAuley College dux Anna Brandon has encouraged students to make choices that prioritise their future plans.
More photos at end of story, below.
Ms Brandon received College Dux at McAuley’s Celebrating Success assembly on 30 January, at which the college also presented awards for attendance and academic excellence.
She used the occasion to encourage current students in their endeavours.
“Success looks different for every person. You might wish to pursue a trade; go into the defence force, achieve a certificate qualification or take a gap year after high school. Maybe you don’t know what you want to do,” she said.
“No matter what, all future pathways require hard work and consistency to achieve success. If you maintain these core principles, opportunities will present themselves to you, and you can be confident in your success for the future.”
Ms Brandon will study a Bachelor of Biomedical Sciences at Griffith University and is the recipient of the $24 000 Samuel Griffith University Scholarship.
At the assembly, she spoke about her high school experience and how choices led to her success.
“There were a multitude of choices that could have steered me in the wrong direction. Not paying attention in class, playing games instead of doing an assignment, looking at my phone instead of studying, talking to people instead of doing work,” she said.
“And yes, occasionally it is great to take a break from studying, but the most important thing for me to remember was the end goal, which meant prioritising learning and giving my best effort.”
Ms Brandon received the College Dux award alongside fellow alumni Abi Henry and Sophie Moriarty, who achieved an ATAR above 80.
Ms Henry will study a Bachelor of Paramedicine and Ms Moriarty will study a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy.
Principal Deidre Young congratulated all 2022 Seniors and said the school was proud that 100 per cent of the 2022 cohort achieved a Queensland Certificate of Education.
“It’s incredible to think our students are moving on to such incredible areas of study and who knows what they will do for our future as young people in these areas,” she said.
Mrs Young encouraged current students to focus on giving their best effort.
“I hope you are able to sit down and acknowledge within your report the things you’ve been achieving and doing well, sometimes requiring a great effort, and also to acknowledge the things you will continue to work on across this semester,” she said.
