After a year navigating lockdowns, active COVID-19 restrictions and changes to how they share community, resilient students of year 12 in 2021 have experienced many highs and lows, and can now look to the next adventure in life and lifelong learning. 

Finniss MP David Basham has congratulated the students in his electorate who topped the SACE university entrance scores (ATAR), released in mid-December.

School captains Max Burgess and Molly Peier topped the results for the Encounter Lutheran College, each scoring 97.8.

Investigator College’s Mahlia Donley received 98.75 and 1 Merit, while Victor Harbor High School’s Clarisse Lust gained 98.05 and 3 Merits.

The Dux of Mount Compass Area School topped the region, Taras Mair scoring 99.8 and 1 Merit.

He will use his ATAR to study a Bachelor of Science in Mineral Geoscience at Adelaide University in 2022. 

Mount Compass Area School performed above the state average for combined As and Bs; 21 per cent of students had ATARS in the 90s. 

Mr Basham says he is proud of the outstanding results in the local schools.

“The ATAR score forms one part of our young peoples’ journey and I wish all graduating students of 2021 the very best in their next endeavours. 

“Success will look different for each young person and I sincerely hope they find their own path with confidence and an adventurous spirit. 

“It takes a village to raise a child and the villages in Finniss can be well proud of the young people in their care.”