Meet our College Dux - Sophie Bishop
Sophie juggled a multitude of extra-curricular activities while remaining resolutely focused on her academics throughout her Senior years to achieve an ATAR of 98.85. Sophie ranked ninth in the State for Earth and Environmental Studies.
A talented athlete in netball, touch and athletics, she also completed her Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award in Year 12. Her broad abilities earned her the 'Ampol All-rounder Award' in Year 12.
Sophie's subjects included English Standard, Mathematics Advanced, Geography, Earth and Environmental Science and PDHPE.
Sophie is contemplating a gap-year filled with travel before commencing university in 2026 and is leaning towards an environmental science course at UTS (Earth and Environmental Science was her favourite subject at school).
Sophie has great advice for HSC students and says effective time management allowed her to keep on top of her studies while giving her time to engage in sports and spend time with friends outside of school. "This really helped me improve my results while also keeping a balanced lifestyle to avoid overwhelming myself and maintaining motivation throughout Year 12."
She believes Stella has given her a strong sense of self; developing perseverance and discipline through academics and a love for friendships and community through her incredible involvement. "The Stella staff made me feel supported and encouraged me to try my best, but also take care of my mental health, making me realise it is just so important to be kind to yourself as well as your friends."
Ruby Kelly
Inspired by her sister, Josephine - the 2021 College Dux and Academic Prefect, Ruby's ATAR of 98.40 continues a proud family tradition of academic excellence at Stella. Ruby ranked third in the State for Earth and Environmental Studies.
Ruby's love of her Earth and Environmental Science subject (influenced by her teacher and Head of Year, Ms Mezger) has steered her towards a Bachelor of Advanced Science with Honours at either Sydney University or the University of New South Wales from 2025. Ruby's HSC subjects also included Advanced English, Extension English, Chemistry, Geography and Studies of Religion 1.
Ruby gives particular credit to teachers in the English department for investing time in her ("they were probably sick of seeing me by the end of Year 12 with the number of practice essays they marked for me"). Their support was instrumental in Ruby's greatest achievement at Stella - ranking first in English.
An active participant in Stella's extension program through the Inclusive Learning department, Ruby was also an outstanding debater, and kept busy through involvement in tennis, volleyball, public speaking and the Student Representative Council.
Ruby is grateful for the opportunities she received through the extra curricular and extension programs, particularly in her junior years at Stella. She says they encouraged her become a more holistic person and to be brave enough to try new things.
"Ultimately, Stella helped me gain confidence and courage to face the world after high school."
Naomie Humel
With 'consistency,' 'hard work,' and a 'positive mindset' as her guiding principles, Naomie achieved an impressive ATAR of 98.30.
Naomie was recognised as a Top Achiever with two top ten rankings in the State (sixth place for Textiles and Design and eighth place in Earth and Environmental Studies).
For Naomie, the saying "hard work pays dividends" was a reality she lived by throughout her Year 12 journey. She maintained a rigorous daily routine, waking at 4:30am to study before heading to school or her father's office, where she would get in more work before the school day began. This early-morning focus allowed her to stay on top of her studies. A strict 8:30pm bedtime ensured she prioritized quality sleep, supporting both her mental and physical well-being.
Naomie’s advice to future HSC students is simple yet powerful: "Keep the end goal in mind" and develop a "do it anyway" attitude, even toward tasks that feel challenging or uninspiring.
She credits her "science guru," Ms Andrea Mezger, for igniting her passion for Science, a subject she hopes will lead to a place in the dual Law/Science degree program at Sydney University in 2025.
Naomie also expresses gratitude to her Textiles and Design teacher, Ms Christina Burke, for her unwavering support and guidance throughout the development of Naomie’s Major Work.
Madeleine Keary
Maddie, Stella's 2024 recipient of the Freshwater Bank Tertiary Study Scholarship and also an Academic Prefect achieved an ATAR of 98.10. She achieved an incredible third place in the State for Textiles and Design.
Of her HSC subjects (Advanced English, Advanced Mathematics, Legal Studies, Geography, and Textiles and Design), Maddie's love for Legal Studies has steered her towards a double degree Bachelor of Law and Commerce at Macquarie University from 2025 (which she gained early entry via its high achievers scheme).
Maddie has seized every opportunity at Stella, completing her Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award in Year 12 and participating in netball, dance, concert band and Da Vinci Decathlon throughout her years at Stella.
Maddie attributes her success to being disciplined and developing (and maintaining) a study schedule in early high school. "Being surrounded by a community that I feel I belong to allowed me to develop skills in friendship, hope and gratitude, and also meant I could thrive academically."
Maddie's key achievements at school highlight her service to others. She was instrumental in establishing the Homework Club for junior students and introduced 'Stella Standouts' to acknowledge hard working students achieving their personal best.
