A ONCE unlikely candidate for Millicent High School’s highest academic honour has attributed her turnaround success to woodwork.
School dux Kelsie Wilkinson was awarded the prestigious W.S. DeGaris Cup at Millicent High’s 2018 end of year presentation ceremony on Tuesday night.
Members of the school community filled the Millicent Civic and Arts Centre to near capacity for the annual award ceremony.
In accepting the award, the 18-year-old told the packed hall she had “not always been the mature young adult that I am today”.
“Never had I thought when I began my schooling at Millicent High School that I would be finishing with this award,” she said.
“However, in saying that, I am very honoured to be receiving such a valuable and prestigious award.
“My time at Millicent High School has certainly been interesting.
“When I started Year 12, I knew I wanted to work hard and achieve the best possible results that I could, but at times I did not really believe I was capable of this,” Ms Wilkinson said.
“I honestly surprised myself on numerous occasions that if I knuckled down and put the effort in, I could achieve beyond what I truly believed I was capable of.”
She highlighted the efforts and positive impact former tech studies teacher Scott Hamilton had on her academic success.
“I believe he was one of the major turning points throughout my schooling that has allowed me to achieve such great success,” Kelsie said.
“I know I probably did not always show it, however I am truly grateful for the support I have received from staff, in particular my mentor Lauren Potter.
“Lauren’s ongoing support and tough love approach has assisted me in overcoming the numerous aspects Year 12 brings with it and I can honestly say that without her, I would not be accepting this award tonight.
“I never thought a group of teachers I barely knew a few years ago would be right behind me, supporting me all the way and have impacted my life in such a constructive way.”
Kelsie’s illustrious academic achievements include receiving this year’s Banner Mitre 10 Millicent Technology Studies Award, Denton Sportspower Health and Physical Education and Sports Award and the Landmark Research Project Award.
The talented athlete was elected vice house captain of Meintangk in 2016 and 2017 and was elected as house captain in 2018.
Her leadership skills have been demonstrated through her involvement in the peer support program – a initiative where senior students help the transition of junior students – and winning the Year 11 leadership scholarship for her aptitude during the Noorla Yo-Long Leadership Program.
Millicent High School principal John Shelton praised the achievements of Kelsie, saying he had watched the students’ secondary school journey “with interest and admiration”.
He also said Kelsie’s interest and aptitude for woodwork was a critical turning point in her schooling.
“The Year 9 student I remember might not have thought she was going to win our highest academic student award in Year 12 and possibly neither did many of her peers or teachers,” he said.
“I remember one of our previous Tech Studies teachers, Scott Hamilton, would often open up the workshop at lunch times for students to come and complete work or even work on their own projects.
“As a Year 10 student, Kelsie would often be found there at lunch working on her latest interest of wood turning.
“Ironically I think this was also a turning point in Kelsie’s attitude to school and learning.”
Inaugurated in 1954, the W.S. DeGaris Cup is awarded to a Year 12 student for exceptional academic achievement based on school grades throughout the year.
