ARARAT - The wait was finally over for year twelve students in Ararat on Monday with the release of Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) results.
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Two Ararat students had plenty to celebrate after learning they had topped their respective classes, with Nicholas Phillips named dux of Ararat College with an ATAR score of 87.2 and Maddalena Linton dux of Marian College with 77.55.
Mr Phillips said he was thrilled to receive a score high enough to guarantee him a spot at Monash University in 2014 to study a Bachelor of Chemical Engineering and Science.
"Other people put expectations on you and I knew I needed to do well, so I was hoping for something around that mark," he said.
"I had a look on the computer (Monday morning) and I was really happy, it was just a relief that it was enough.
"I played a few games of footy, just things like that take mymind off study. You have just got to find what works for you, there is no point trying to copy what other people are doing."
Mr Phillips completed exams in English, Further Mathematics, Math Methods, Physics and Physical Education in October/November, while he also completed Accounting and IT in year 11.
Ararat College principal, Geoff Sawyer said the entire school was proud of the efforts of the class of 2013, which included more than 30 students.
"We are proud of the fact that we give every young person the chance to complete their VCE," he said.
"So to once again, for the second consecutive year, have a 100 percent pass rate is just fantastic and really pleasing.
"I'd be safe in saying that a fair portion may have thought that they would never get to this point, so just achieving a pass for some is better than getting dux.
"I am also pleased with our top end scores. That is important because it demonstrates that those who are capable and willing to learn can achieve great things here at Ararat College."
Marian College principal, John Crowley said he was also very satisfied with the achievements of his students.
"As a school we had some pleasing results, both in VCE and the VCAL program and I think it is important to recognise the success of both our VCE and VCAL students," he said.
For Ms Linton, the Marian College dux is planning a well earned break in 2014 after completing subjects Studio Art, Math Methods, Physics, English and Psychology.
"I am going to take a GAP year next year and just work locally," she said.
"After that I want to go to one of the Melbourne universities and study creative writing.
"This year I tried to find a bit of down time when I could. I mostly worked on my own creative writing, planning books and writing poetry.
"You definitely need to break it up, I could sit down the entire time and study,but you need at least one day where you don't study, because it just doesn't work and you get over it too quick."
Both students acknowledged the assistance they received from their teachers and fellow students.