Students from The Gordon have received awards for topping the class in VCE last year.
Belmont High School’s Bec Pitt and Sacred Heart College’s Dana Mackay received the Premier’s Awards on July 2 for achieving the highest score in the state for their VCE VET subjects in 2024.
Bec, who won the award for her Laboratory Skills, said the award was a proud moment.
“Studying Lab Skills at The Gordon was a fantastic insight into the practical side of STEM and helped me gain confidence in science,” she said.
“I’m proud of what I achieved and incredibly grateful for my teachers’ support. They provided excellent resources and the course ran just like a professional lab, with the same equipment and procedures that I saw during work experience.”
Dana, who recorded the highest score in Victoria for Furniture Making, said she had always had a passion for creative activities.
“Studying Furniture Making at The Gordon allowed me to follow this and go further,” Dana said.
“Through completing this course, I discovered many new pathways and opportunities. Winning this award truly validates the hard work and time I put into this subject and is a great honour.”
Bec and Dana’s teachers at The Gordon congratulated their students on their excellent outcomes.
“Bec demonstrated an incredible commitment to her learning and a real passion for science,” VET Laboratory Skills teacher Janine Dean said.
“Her ability to apply theoretical knowledge in practical settings set her apart; we’re incredibly proud of her achievement.”
“Dana showed great creativity, determination, and technical skill throughout her course,” Furniture Making teacher Mark Dries said.
“Winning this award is a well-deserved recognition of her hard work and future potential in the industry.”
The Gordon’s chief executive Joe Ormeno said Bec and Dana’s achievements highlighted “what’s possible when vocational learning starts early and connects to real-world skills”.
“The Gordon is proud to partner with local schools to open doors sooner, giving students the confidence and capability to thrive. In our labs and workshops, they don’t just learn — they discover what their futures can hold,” Mr Ormeno said.
“At a time when Victoria needs skilled talent, this is a powerful reminder of what high-quality VET delivers.”
