Tess, from Stawell, had already managed a perfect study score of 50 in psychology in year 11 but she was still on edge.

“I got 97.55 ATAR, a 42 in English, a 41 in biology and a 44 in physical education. I also did chemistry and further maths,” she said.

“I was pretty excited. I had to refresh the page a few times as I thought ‘maybe it’s not me’. So I logged out and then back in, then told Mum.”

Tess said her mum was pretty excited as well.

Marian College called her that day to tell her she was the dux.

“I was still excited to hear it. Mum and Dad were pretty proud,” she said.

“My favourite subject this year was PE but I loved psychology.”

Tess planned to take a GAP year before university.

“I’ll probably go to Bendigo La Trobe or Deakin in Geelong for medical imaging or pharmacy,” she said.

A brush with success for Ararat College dux

Ararat and Stawell VCE high achievers named