General News
19 December, 2025
Schools announce duxes
SCHOOLS across the district are celebrating the achievements of their Year 12 cohorts following the release of Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) and Vocational Major (VM) results last Thursday.
Camperdown College, Mercy Regional College and Derrinallum P-12 College have announced their duxes for 2025.
For Camperdown College, Lily Maskell was named as the VCE dux, with runner up Finn Tolland also being recognised.
Lily said she couldn’t believe it when the school contacted her to inform her of the honour.
“I just feel so good, happy and really shocked,” she said.
“I was just so shocked – I wasn’t expecting it.
“I’m going to hopefully go to Melbourne University to study either psychology or law and do a Bachelor of Arts.”
Finn said it felt good to see his hard work throughout the year pay off when he saw his results.
“It’s a bit of a relief – it’s all been worth it,” he said.
“I was asking around with a few people – I had a feeling I would be up towards the top.
“Getting the phone call from the principal is really special – to know you’ve succeeded and you’re one of the top in your class feels really good.
“I’m definitely going to go to university – hopefully Melbourne University – in a physiotherapy or osteopathy pathway if I get accepted into those courses.”
The VCE-VM stream was also recognised, with Jada Mahony named as dux for VM.
She said it was an honour to be named as the 2025 dux for VCE-VM.
“Year 12 is a pretty big year, and to be named VM dux at the end of it is pretty cool,” Jada said.
“My school principal rang me up and told me the good news.
“I was pretty stoked overall and shocked.
“Next year I’m doing an educational support traineeship at Camperdown College’s junior campus which is a privilege.
“I’m pretty excited about it.”
Camperdown College principal Vicki Angus said the school was immensely proud of the Class of 2025.
“This year’s VCE and VCE VM results highlight not only strong academic performance, but also the dedication, perseverance and integrity that our students have shown,” she said.
“They have embraced challenges, supported one another and consistently demonstrated the values we uphold as a school community.
“I extend my gratitude to the dedicated staff, supportive families and broader school community whose encouragement has helped guide students to success.
“This year’s wonderful results are truly a shared achievement and I thank our teachers, support staff and families for their unwavering commitment to our students.”
At Mercy Regional College (MRC), Rose Beasley was named as VCE dux for 2025.
She said she wasn’t expecting the honour and was excited to be named as dux.
“I would like to thank all my teachers, family, tutors and friends for their support this year,” Rose said.
“It has been a big year and a big build up but I’m glad it’s paid off.
“I am trying my best to pursue medicine and I have also applied for Physiotherapy and Nursing as a potential pathway.
“When I become a doctor, my goal is to work rurally.
“I am looking forward to starting university next year, wherever it might be.”
VCE-VM student Sarah Menzel achieved an Excellence Award to acknowledge her high achievement in VCE-VM studies.
Sarah said she was feeling good after a great year at MRC.
“I would like to thank Mel Kavanagh and Berni Sinnott and all the staff who worked so hard this year,” she said.
“I enjoyed the many subjects I did, especially making coffees and building my barista skills.
“Next year I aim to do a hairdressing apprenticeship at South West TAFE in Warrnambool and in the meantime, I’ll continue working locally at the Loaf and Lounge.”
MRC principal Sharon Gillett congratulated the dux and all students for their efforts.
“We are all very proud of our young people whose hard work, focus and perseverance have been rewarded with outstanding results and a wide range of exciting future pathways,” she said.
“Their achievements reflect not only individual commitment, but a cohort that worked collaboratively throughout the year, supporting one another and engaging deeply with their learning alongside their dedicated teachers.
“The strong partnership with our dedicated staff, parents and students over many years has helped shape confident, capable and hopeful graduates, ready to embrace the opportunities ahead.
“We wish our young people the very best for a bright future ahead.”
Derrinallum P-12 College student Lorelai Henderson was named as the school’s dux for this year, saying she only found out about her achievement when the school encouraged her to get in contact with Western District Newspapers.
“It was a bit of a surprise,” she said.
“I knew I officially got dux when Stacey Henderson asked me to call the newspaper.
“I’m pretty stoked and proud. I feel like the effort I put in paid off.
“University next year is my goal, as well as living my life and enjoying it – I’m aiming to study law and go from there.
“I want to thank everyone over the years – all my teachers, friends and family. They helped me through.”
Read More: Camperdown, Derrinallum