2024 High Achievers

Pictured: Jordi Dermitzakis ATAR of 99.45

Jordi has demonstrated exceptional motivation, dedication, and hard work throughout his studies. Starting Year 12 with high aspirations, he worked relentlessly to achieve his goals. His positive work ethic, ability to respond to feedback, and drive for academic excellence have made him an exemplary role model for his peers. Jordi’s persistent, organised, and methodical approach contributed to a highly successful final year of study. Jordi intends to study his first preference of Engineering (Honours)/Computer Science Monash University (Clayton).

Pictured: Joel Knight 12G ATAR of 99.3

Joel’s work ethic came to the fore in 2023, achieving a study score of 45 in Unit 3/4 Biology. He has continued on in 2024 with an excellent approach to his studies. Joel approaches his work with great resolve and stoicism, and has developed an independence that will serve him well after his Salesian College journey ends. As Academic Ambassador, Joel commandeered the plethora of subject selection videos that were entirely student-organised in 2024, and provide an excellent account of the school’s VCE program. Joel intends to study his first preference of Engineering (Honours) Monash University (Clayton).

Pictured: Liam Matteo ATAR of 99.2

Liam lives out the College Values every day and because of this brings to life the Salesian Charter for all in our community. Liam is a very diligent student. He applies himself to all subjects equally. He is certainly making the most of every opportunity to learn. Liam’s leadership skills were also demonstrated through the year through his work as Environmental Enrichment Captain where he brought several initiatives to fruition. Liam set himself some outstanding learning goals this year and is set to extend his learning by intending to study his first preference of Engineering (Honours) Monash University (Clayton).

Pictured: Alexander Marinis ATAR of 98.6

Alex exemplified a diligence and quiet determination throughout his completion of VCE at Salesian. His dedication to his rigorous subject load is extremely commendable, and his efforts in staying on top of the workload are inspirational. Alex worked with his teachers and peers in order to maintain a positive work ethic and receive outstanding results in 2024. As an inquisitive and keen learner, Alex has developed skills to succeed in any future learning environment. Alex plans to study Engineering (Honours) – Masters Accelerated Pathway Monash University (Clayton) in 2025.

Pictured: Patrick Sutherland ATAR of 98.2

Patrick has been a consistently diligent student throughout his time at Salesian College. Beyond this, he has done Moroney house proud with his leadership efforts, and sets a high bar for his peers in terms of his manners and gentility. Patrick does all of the simple things well in his school life; he listens, he works, and he has brilliant relationships with the staff and students around him. Patrick plans on commencing his first preference of double degree of Laws (Honours)/Arts Monash University (Clayton).

Pictured: Liam Griffins ATAR of 98.1

Liam is a quiet achiever and deep thinker. He consistently puts in his best effort in all he does. He is highly organised and tackles his learning and all challenges with a calm and considered manner. Liam is generous with his time and is always available to assist his peers for their learning. He has also been a significantly positive influence on others regarding the living out of our College Values. Liam has diligently and consistently worked throughout the year and plans on commencing his first preference of Engineering (Honours) – Masters Accelerated Pathway, Monash University (Clayton).

Pictured: Benjamin Brooks ATAR of 98

In his role as College Captain, Ben consistently embodied the College values and served as an excellent role model within our community. He was always willing to assist his peers and support those in need, as well as representing the College at numerous events. Ben successfully balanced his leadership responsibilities with his academic commitments, as well as being an active member of Salesian’s ACC Swimming, Cricket and Table Tennis teams. He is set to study Physiotherapy (Honours) Monash University (Peninsula)

Pictured: Abhav Chenanda Karumbaiah ATAR of 97.8

As Savio House Captain, Abhav exemplified dedication and the spirit of the Salesian community. He participated in the House Swimming Carnival, ACC Swimming, and numerous House events, contributing to College life in many ways. Abhav demonstrated what it means to do ordinary things, extraordinarily well, earning him a Gold Salesian Award. A reliable and respectful individual, he approached his studies with a strong work ethic and shared his knowledge generously with those around him. Abhav is set to study Engineering (Honours) – Masters Accelerated Pathway Monash University (Clayton).

Pictured: Stefan Ianno ATAR of 97.65

Stefan has consistently achieved outstanding academic results throughout his time at Salesian, reflecting his natural diligence and commitment to achieving excellence. Known for being respectful and kind, he built strong relationships with his teachers and peers and always displayed a thoughtful and inquisitive approach to learning. His hard work paid off with a remarkable study score of 45 in Unit 3/4 Biology in Year 11.  Balancing his studies with participation in ACC Volleyball and Badminton, Stefan has shown dedication both in and out of the classroom. Stefan is set to study Biomedical Science Monash University (Clayton).

Pictured: Samuel Gould ATAR of 97.1

Sam’s diligence in his studies this year has ensured a successful finish to his VCE at Salesian. In his role as English Subject Ambassador, he exemplified dedication and a love of learning, promoting the subject to all year levels. Sam remained consistent in his results throughout the year, balancing each of his subjects and commitments to achieve academic excellence. Through his communication and work with his subject teachers, he was able to effectively prepare for his SACs and exams which led to outstanding academic performance. Sam is set to study Arts/Global Studies Monash University (Clayton) in 2025.

Pictured: James McLaughlin ATAR of 97.1

In his role as College Vice-Captain, James skilfully balanced his leadership responsibilities with his studies, setting high goals and expectations for himself. James is a motivated, compassionate and kind-hearted individual who consistently embodied the College values, serving as an excellent role model for his peers. As ACC Senior Football Captain, and through his participation in the ACC Basketball and Volleyball teams, James exhibited strong leadership both on and off the field. He also proudly represented the College at numerous events. James is set to study Engineering (Honours) – Masters Accelerated Pathway Monash University (Clayton).

Pictured: Aidan McGuinness ATAR of 97

Aiden has been a humble member of the College across his time at Salesian. He has consistently applied himself to his studies and worked diligently to achieve excellence in Year 12. He built a solid foundation for his results in his completion of a Unit 3/4 subject in Year 11. He is a great support to those around him and offers assistance in order to support his peers in their studies. Aidan is set to study Laws (Honours) Monash University (Clayton) in 2025.

Pictured: Anthony Saraullo ATAR of 96.95

Anthony is a friendly, mature, and thoughtful student who built strong relationships with peers and teachers throughout his time at Salesian. As Maths Ambassador, he demonstrated strong leadership and a deep commitment to his studies. His achievements include a study score of 46 in Unit ¾ General Mathematics in Year 11, participation in the Dante Alighieri Italian Poetry Recitation Competition, and serving as a College Tour Guide. His diverse academic interests were recognized with the VCE Baccalaureate certification. Anthony is set to study Construction Management (Honours) RMIT University (City).

Pictured: Christos Giakoumatos ATAR of 95.85

Christos is a friendly and light-hearted young man who has an endearing positive outlook on life and learning. He enjoys being challenged and working, individually, with his peers and his teachers to develop his understanding of concepts covered in his classes. Throughout his time at the College has been respected by his peers and has always ensured that he creates an accepting environment for everyone to feel welcomed and safe. Christos is a wonderful orator and has made considerable contribution to the College in his role as Public Speaking and Debating Enrichment Captain. Christos is set to study Arts University Of Melbourne (Parkville).

Pictured: Ashton Smolic ATAR of 95.55

Ashton has pushed himself considerably over his Year 12 year. He has set the bar high for himself, and with this has developed immense drive to achieve his best in his studies – culminating in an excellent study score of 42 in Unit 3/4 Biology in Year 11. Ashton has developed an excellent rapport with his teachers, and is eager to help those around him too. Ashton is set to study Biomedical Science Monash University (Clayton).

Pictured: Ryan Ronald ATAR of 95.5

Ryan is an easy-going person who is very well respected by his peers. He is a quiet student, a deep thinker, excellent listener and highly observant. Ryan excels in learning that requires creativity, attention to detail, and independent work. he is also highly organised and has made exceptional use of his college study planner to assist him through Year 12. He also works very well with his peers and teachers. Ryan involves himself in all facets of College life and is considered a model student. Ryan is set to study Computer Science Advanced (Honours) Monash University (Clayton).

Pictured: Xavier Caiafa  ATAR of  95.05

Xavier’s approach to his learning in 2024 has been exemplified by the joy he brings to his peers and the classroom. He has consistently worked to improve across all subjects this year. In his role as Humanities Subject Ambassador, Xavier promoted a positive culture in the department. Further, Xavier’s diligence to his studies manifested in his success in the McKertich Public Speaking Competition, taking home the Senior trophy. Xavier is set to study Laws (Honours)/Psychology Monash University (Clayton).