UPDATE: Kerang Technical High School has just announced that Belle Morton has been named the school’s 2025 dux with an impressive ATAR of 80.85. The news broke earlier today, catching Morton by surprise during a call from her Year 12 coordinator.
“I was pretty shocked because I definitely didn’t expect to get it,” Morton stated, reflecting on the unexpected recognition. While aiming for an ATAR of 80, she did not initially target the title of dux.
Morton, like many students in small towns, juggled her academic commitments with extracurricular activities, including netball and ballet. “I tried not to get burnt out and study too hard. I wanted to balance my sport and social life with my studies,” she explained.
Throughout the year, Morton experienced fluctuations in her confidence based on her results. “Sometimes I’d think, ‘Oh yeah, I reckon I can get it,’ and other times I’d doubt myself,” she admitted.
Her favorite subjects included Legal Studies, English, and Health. She attributes her success to her supportive network of family and friends who helped her navigate the challenges of Year 12. “My family was really great, and I had a good group of friends. We helped each other through the year,” Morton said.
She also praised the dedicated staff at Kerang Technical High School for their guidance. “They were always very happy to help and sit down with you whenever you needed it,” she noted.
Looking ahead, Morton aspires to become a primary school teacher, with a specific interest in studying at Deakin University in Geelong. Her desire to teach sparked during remote learning, when she assisted her younger sisters while her parents worked as essential workers. “I thought, ‘Oh, I could actually do this as a career’,” she recalled.
As she prepares for her next educational chapter, Morton has important advice for current Year 11 and Year 12 students: “Work hard, but definitely balance out your life.”
The recognition of Morton as dux not only highlights her academic achievements but also serves as an inspiring reminder of the importance of balance and support in education.
