2025 School Duces

Congratulations to Caleb Mendez and Derek Huang who are our joint Duces for 2025. 

Caleb is studying Engineering at Monash University, intending to specialise in biomedical engineering, and Derek is studying a Bachelor of Science into a Doctor of Dental Surgery at the University of Melbourne. We asked the Duces for their reflections of their time at Kilvington. 

Caleb Mendez

What was a highlight of your time at Kilvington? 

I’ve got to say that some of my best memories at Kilvington were forged during the Year 9 Impact program! I loved the freedom that the city brought, and learning how to feel more independent whilst growing my character. I loved the once-a-term brunches in the city beforehand with my friends, exploring our CBD and learning about both the culture it holds and the issues it faces. I think the Impact program is a rather unique part of Kilvington that was integral to my growth as a person.

What do you think helped you to achieve such a great result at school?

I have always been quite academically driven, however I’d accredit my overall results to having a good balance of academics as well as other things. I still chose to participate in inter-school sports and was an active member of both Kilvington’s orchestra and badminton club in Year 12. I also managed to spend quality time with my friends, in and out of school. I think it was this balance that gave me the motivation to get through the trenches of Year 12!

What did you find most challenging and how did you deal with this?

I found setting up a consistent study schedule quite challenging and daunting throughout high school, even in my final year. It was hard to find the motivation to create and stick to a rigorous schedule. I combatted this by creating a priority list, ranking which assignments/tests were most pressing, and tackled it from the top down.

Do you have any advice for students studying for their VCE?

My advice for students in VCE would be to take advantage of Kilvington and all it has to offer. This could be academically; make sure you capitalise on your class time and engage with the content, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. But this also could be socially; take chances and join clubs, spend time with your peers, and make sure you enjoy the journey as well.

Derek Huang

What was a highlight of your time at Kilvington? 

My highlights at school were definitely all the laughs shared with my friends, whether in class or during recess and lunch times. Specifically, I have wonderful memories of the Year 12 camp to Anglesea.

What do you think helped you to achieve such a great result at school?

My best tip is to be as organised as possible. I recommend using a 'to do' list app. This greatly helped me to always be prepared which led to me being just a little bit less stressed.

What did you find most challenging and how did you deal with this?

The most challenging aspect of VCE for me was definitely English, as I was never naturally good at it. A tip for those in a similar position is to write as much as possible, send it to your teacher, and apply the feedback. I'd like to send a special thank you to all my English teachers throughout the years who helped me enormously.

Do you have any advice for students studying for their VCE?

Always have a good school-life balance and don’t forget what to do what you love. Always try to maintain your hobbies in the stressful times.