Jodan Grant has been named dux of Ararat College having continually achieved amid the numerous challenges 2020 presented.
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Mr Grant said he had been surprised to receive the honour as he - like many other students across the state - had found working from home difficult.
"I hadn't expected it to be honest," he said.
"It was pretty hard with the whole online learning thing.
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"I struggled to focus when I was just working in my room."
However, Ararat College principal Ellie McDougall said he had not only displayed all the attributes for academic success, but had also shown great resilience through his response to the disruptions caused by COVID-19.
"Jodan's always been well engaged in his classes, and highly respected by his teachers," she said.
"He's diligent in getting his work done and has a keen interest in his subject areas.
"He responded very well to learning at home and the challenges of 2020."
Mr Grant said his teachers had supported him in overcoming these obstacles.
"I went and talked to my teachers one on one, and that really helped."
Mr Grant said outdoor education was among the subjects he enjoyed the most.
His plans for the immediate future will allow him to enjoy the outdoors while keeping the community safe.
"I'm just going to keep working at the outdoor pool in Ararat as a lifeguard for the moment."
Mr Grant said he may later seek to begin apprenticing with his father as a plumber.
Due to an administration error Ararat College initially named Jessica Low as Dux of 2020.
"We continue to acknowledge and congratulate Jess Low on receiving the highest ATAR of our cohort going onto tertiary education," a college spokesperson said.
"We wish all students in our graduating class of 2020 every success for their future."
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