Damascus College announces College Duxes

Damascus College is excited to announce the College VCE Dux for 2024 is Zoe Newman, and the VCE/VM Dux is Ryder Hill.

Zoe scored an ATAR of 96.35 when results were released today, this year Zoe studied the following VCE subjects Mathematical Methods, Chemistry, Drama and English, in 2023 she studied Biology and in 2022 she studied Further Mathematics.

166 Damascus students successfully completed VCE in 2024.

11 students received an ATAR in the 90’s (9%). 13 students received an ATAR in the 80’s (10.5%), and one student received the VCE Baccalaureate. 24 students scored a subject study score of 40 or above in a study.

Year 11 student Kylan Jans received a study score of 50 for Physical Education, which is a challenging feat accomplished by only a few.

Zoe said that she hopes to take a gap year next year and use the time to fine-tune what course she wants to do the following year.

“It is incredible to be this year’s College Dux, it is definitely not something I expected, but is a great reward for my hard work and commitment throughout the year.”

“I want to spend next year travelling, working, and exploring the world, before I embark on university the following year.”

“My favourite subjects are Drama, Biology and Chemistry, so I am looking towards a course in Performing Arts/Musical Theatre or combining these passions in the area of Science Communication.”

“I was introduced to this unique subject area when I participated in the National Youth Science Forum in Brisbane earlier this year, and thought it would be a wonderful combination of my two passions, it as another way of pursuing my love of performing arts.”

“I particularly want to thank all my teachers for their support throughout the year, I couldn’t have achieved this without their extra time and encouragement. I also want to thank my parents for their unwavering support of me along the way.”

Our VCE/VM Dux, Ryder has been an exemplary student and has scored well on the following transferable employability skills: Communication, Teamwork, Initiative and Enterprise, Technology, Problem-Solving, Planning and Organising and Self-Management.

Ryder is conscientious and an incredibly hard-working student.

Ryder said that he wishes to thank his VM teachers, as they have helped him significantly throughout his secondary years.

“I also want to thank my fellow classmates for supporting me every day,” he said.

“I feel pretty good about this achievement, as when I joined VM, becoming dux was the one thing I had my eye on, so I put strategies in place to try and achieve this goal,” he said.

“Next year I am undertaking a Certificate 4 in Sound Production, with the aim of becoming a Sound Technician at a live music venue with PA hire, and I hope to relocate to Geelong to follow my dreams.”

Damascus College Principal, Mr Steven Mifsud said that he is proud of the achievements of all Damascus students, and acknowledges the partnership with family, students, and all staff at Damascus.

“Importantly these students have worked hard, combined excellent co-curricular activities with study. These students have lived the College mantra to be my best,” he said.

“Damascus College wishes to thank the dedicated staff that have worked so diligently and passionately with our students throughout the year, ensuring they achieve their personal best in their final year of studies.”

Pictured below is the VCE/VM Dux Ryder Hill, and some of the 11 students with 90+ ATAR results, VCE Dux Zoe Newman (96.35), Lucas Wells (96.2), Macy Donaldson (95.45), Laura McDonald (95.3), Taya Thiele (95.05), Eleanor Lawler (94.65) and Lucy Leviston (90.55).