By Luke Voogt
South Geelong’s Ben Kenworthy has scored his national TV debut in an ABC series recording lives of Year 12 students.
Ben was one of 14 students from across Australia featuring in My Year 12 Life, which airs on ABC ME this week.
“It’s been everyone’s dream as a child to be on television when you’re older and have your 15 minutes of fame,” the former St Joseph’s student said.
Ben said with all the media coverage of VCE each year it was good to see it from a student’s perspective.
“There’s a lot more than just your ATAR that goes on throughout the year – it’s what you make of it.”
He and his family filmed “99 per cent” of his segments, as he attempted to balance studies with footy, cricket, and deputy school captain duties.
The show’s website describes Ben as a “prankster”. “But can you be the class clown and the class genius?” it asks.
“I like to have a bit of fun, but I still knuckled down and gave it a go,” he said.
“I’m sort of a bit more laid back than other students. You don’t have to be so worked up about everything.”
But some of the show’s other students feel family and personal expectations more keenly, Ben said.
“Some students get pretty emotional and intense, so it’s good for them to know they’re not alone.”
Ben graduated St Joseph’s in 2016 and has been working toward a career in business. But he remained quiet about his plans for this year.
“That would kind of be a spoiler for the show,” he said.
“Let’s just say I’m happy with what I’m doing this year.”
The show airs on ABC at 7.30pm, 20 February and will continue Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday nights for several weeks.
