Penola High School Year 12 student Olivia Berkin achieved the top ATAR score of 79.60 from Stage 2 subjects studied in 2023.

Olivia completed English and Outdoor Education at an A- level, Physical Education and Biology at a B- and Research Project at B+ level.

Olivia said that she was happy with all of her results but felt she could have done better in her Biology exam with more preparation.

She plans to spend six months of next year working locally and doing vintage, with some plans to travel in the second half of the year.

Olivia plans to study further, however, is not sure what she really wants to do yet.

Emily Koenig was Penola High School’s Year 12 Dux student based on the school assessed component of her grades.

She has ended her year with A grades in two subjects which included Research Project and Child Studies and B+ grades in English, Food and Hospitality and Health and Wellbeing.

Principal Steve Carli-Seebohm said hard work and diligence rewarded Year 12 students at Penola High School with strong results and 100% SACE completion.

“Not just Olivia and Emily, but all Stage 2 students should be proud of their efforts,” he said.

“Once again, all students achieved SACE completion, which is a significant milestone in their education for laying foundations for the future.

“Congratulations to Olivia on her top ATAR result, and congratulations to Emily on being awarded Dux of Year 12.

“Our SACE teachers are incredibly proud of the efforts of all of our students. We are all very excited for our students and wish them the best for the future.

“The students in this group took a calm and measured approach to the year and worked to ensure their individual best. They also made sure they helped each other along the way and took care of each other as a group.”