Belle Morton has been named the dux of Kerang Technical High School for 2025, achieving an impressive ATAR of 80.85. The announcement came as a surprise to Morton, who was not expecting to receive the top academic honour. “I got a call from our Year 12 coordinator and he told me. I was pretty shocked because I definitely didn’t expect to get it,” she said.
Morton noted that while she aimed for an ATAR of 80, becoming dux was not a predetermined goal. “I was hoping for the 80, but I didn’t really expect that to get me dux,” she explained. Like many students in rural areas, she balanced her academic responsibilities with extracurricular activities, including netball and ballet. “I tried not to get burnt out and study too hard as such,” she reflected. “I tried to still do my sport and get together with friends while studying hard.”
Support and Encouragement Fuel Success
Throughout the year, Morton experienced fluctuations in her confidence as her results were released. “Sometimes I’d get my results back and be like, ‘Oh yeah, I reckon I can get it,’ and then sometimes I’d go, ‘Oh no, I’m not going to get it,’” she said. She particularly enjoyed subjects like Legal Studies, English, and Health, which contributed to her strong performance.
Morton credits her success to a robust support network that included her family and friends. “My family was really great, and I had a good group of friends. We kind of helped each other through the year, which I definitely wouldn’t have gotten my ATAR without,” she stated. She also praised the staff at Kerang Technical High School for their dedication to student success. “They were all very good at saying, ‘Ask for help whenever you want it.’ They were always very happy to help and sit down with you whenever you needed it,” she added.
Aspiring Teacher with a Vision
Looking ahead, Morton plans to pursue a career in education, aspiring to study primary teaching at university, with Deakin University in Geelong as her preferred choice. The idea of teaching emerged during the period of remote learning when she assisted her two younger sisters with their studies while her parents worked as essential workers. “I had a moment when I was teaching my two little sisters and I thought, ‘Oh, I could actually do this as a career,’” she said.
As she prepares for the next stage of her educational journey, Morton offers valuable advice to current Year 11 and Year 12 students. “Work hard, but definitely balance out your life,” she emphasized. Her experience highlights the importance of maintaining a healthy balance between academic pursuits and personal interests, a lesson that resonates with students across various educational settings.
