Parents, carers and school staff gathered at the Rutherglen Memorial Hall to recognise student achievement in all areas of the curriculum as well as extra curricula activities and community awards.
The evening kicked off with outstanding performances from the year 9/10 band and the year 8/9 band who received rousing applauses from the crowd. Later in the evening, Year 12 student Tilly Pinn also showcased her stunning voice singing “Something in the Orange” by Zach Bryan.
Special guests for the evening included Cr Roberta Horne from Indigo Shire Council, Noel Hince representing Rutherglen RSL Sub Branch, Rosemary Hince representing Rutherglen Women’s Auxiliary, Phil Nickson from Rutherglen Rotary, Robyn Sullivan from Arts Rutherglen, Mark Enshaw from the Rutherglen Masonic Lodge, Kate Calder representing Uncle Tobys, and Paul Schnelle representing Potts and Schnelle.
In his final Presentation Night address, outgoing principal Mr Phil Rogers welcomed students, staff, parents and special guests to the evening.
“We are here to recognise the achievements of our students during the 2022 school year, despite the interruptions and difficulties over the last few years caused by covid and more recently, flooding and road closures,” he said.
“I’m very proud of how Rutherglen High School continues to deliver high outcomes throughout the VCE program, strong employment through various programs such as VCAL, a strong student and welfare support program and excellent extra curriculum programs such as sport and performing arts.
“However, in the end, the best measure of whether we succeed as a school is if our exiting students achieve their desired pathway.
“Data collected over many years shows that our exiting or graduating year 12 students in most years, 100 per cent end up at TAFE, university, are employed, or gain an apprenticeship.
“At school assemblies, I normally talk about students seizing opportunities, going beyond their comfort zones and displaying resilience. In recent challenging years our students have certainly embraced the concept of going beyond their comfort zones and have displayed enormous resilience.
“I have loved coming to live in this community, working with this community and of course, working at Rutherglen High School.
“I also want thank Jennie Ward for her tireless work as assistant principal.
“It has been an honour to be the principal and while in some way this is the end of an era, it is also a great opportunity for new people coming in to create the next exciting chapter for Rutherglen High School.”
Following senior and junior academic awards, Talyssa Lea was recognised at the 2022 DUX of the School by senior school leader Mark Nesbitt.
“Being this year’s DUX is an incredible accomplishment for me and is definitely not something I could have achieved on my own,” Talyssa said.
“I would like to thank my peers and class of 22 for making this year one to remember. Over the years I have been immensely supported by Rutherglen High School staff who always want to see their students thrive. I would like to thank them for their dedication and hard work.
“I would also like to thank Dharma Kotzur for the support and encouragement she has shown me throughout the year. I must also thank my family. Your love and support have been overwhelming. You’ve seen me at my worst and my best, but regardless of you have loved me, supported me, and encouraged me to go far.”
Bursary achievements
Indigo Shire Achievement- Joseph Brooks
Rotary Club of Rutherglen - Ryley Hayes, Serenity Keenes and Mia Reeves
Arts Rutherglen- Art Award - Finn Welsh, Music Award - Darcy Harris-Harwood
Potts & Schnelle (business award)- Lilly Ciufici
Rutherglen Masonic Lodge-Michael Barron, Charlotte Meyer, Rhiannon Pearson and Alicia Vandermeer
Rutherglen RSL Sub Branch Women's Auxiliary- Thomas Frazier
Jasper's Rutherglen Buslines- Lucy Dunne and Chelsea Fitzpatrick
Fallon's Wangaratta Coachlines: Kye Gunning and Nathan Hetherington
Rutherglen Garden Club Bursary- Griffin Ross
Awards
Caltex 'All Rounder': Joseph Brooks
ADF Long Tan Youth Leadership & Teamwork: Kayla Horne G Riley Welsh
ADF Long Tan Youth Future Innovators: Lavinia Fisher & Talyssa Lea
CSU Academic Encouragement: Alexis Heath & Mackenzie Welsh
CSU Future Moves: Brialeigh King
Melbourne University 'Kwong Lee Dow' Scholars Program: Lavinia Fisher
Monash University - Emerging Sciences Victoria, Distinction: Lavinia Fisher
Sport: Sportsperson of the Year - Lucas Tafft, Jasper Shield - Suns Sporting House
Nestle Uncle Tobys Great Grows Here Team: Cattle Handling Team- Kayla Horne (Captain), Nikita Larsen (Captain), Kait Good, Isabella Brooks, Angus Williams, Georgie Kelly, Jessi Davis, Annie Johnson, Lucy Dunne, Emily Lewis, Lachlan Dunne, Talisen Kirk, Eden Kirk, Mia Pevitt, Abbie Hetherington and Katy Pritchard
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