2023 Year 12 Valedictory

Chris Danher, announced the awards, speaking to each in turn:

This group of students are the first of my short time at Lalor North to graduate at the Senior level, and in my short time facilitating the senior program, I couldn’t be more proud of the students standing in front of me tonight.

 It does, however, need to be noted that a lot of the work in bringing this group of young adults through their secondary years has been accomplished by many others in this room tonight; family, friends and teachers of years gone by.

 If we could please acknowledge the accomplishments of all involved in the success of releasing our students into the world as fine, young adults with a round of applause to show my appreciation of the support, love and care in directing this graduating class through their final year of secondary education, I would very much appreciate that.

Dux of the College: Maryam Belal

It is with pride that we announce Maryam Belal as our college Dux for 2023, having achieved the highest ATAR in the 2023 cohort. Highest Study Score in her subjects. 

Dux: Maryam Belal

Maryam now has plans to undertake Commerce at the University of Melbourne or Pharmacy at Monash University.

With her dedication, effort  and demeanour throughout the year, Maryam has been a leader among her peers. She has demonstrated that strong academic success can be achieved while maintaining her naturally outgoing and social nature.

It has been an absolute pleasure to see Maryam develop into the fantastic young leader she has become, and we wish her our very best for the future. 

Valedictorian: Tamara Raad

To be awarded the Valedictorian means that the recipients have consistently observed and modelled our College Values to a very high level through the year while also achieving well in their subjects.

Tamara exemplifies what it means to be a Lalor North Secondary College student through building networks and relationships with her peers, and being respected as a leader within her cohort and wider school community. Well done on your accomplishments throughout the year, and best of luck in all your future endeavours.

VCAL Award: Luana Caruso

The Overall VCAL Award recipient is one that facilitated many of her class’s activities, and often organised events for the cohort, leading others to become better versions of themselves. She attained wonderful grades in all subjects, and often assisted others in the class. She actively contributed in her community and always had positive relationships with her many teachers. She will no doubt take the lessons she has learned at Lalor North and use these to become the best version of herself in the coming years. Amazing work, Luana.

Future Innovators Endeavour Award: Raj Trehan

The ADF Future Innovators Award was introduced in 2020.  The award recognises the student’s science and mathematics abilities and highlights the value ADF places on STEM skills and STEM career opportunities. To receive this award, a student must demonstrate motivation, innovation and achievement in a STEM related field. Raj was successful in his Biology, Chemistry and Mathematical Methods subjects, and overcame many obstacles to be successful. We look forward to seeing him develop in the STEM field throughout his future.

ADF Long Tan Youth Leadership and Teamwork

Award to - Khang Nguyen

The ADF Long Tan Youth Leadership and Teamwork Award to - Khang Nguyen

Long Tan Youth Leadership and teamwork within both the school and the broader local community. At the same time, they recognise those who display strong values, such as doing one’s best, respect for others and “mateship”, characteristics that are integral to Australian society. The awards are an important initiative by the Australian Government in conjunction with the Australian Defence Force designed to encourage senior students – tomorrow’s leaders – to actively participate in the life of their schools and local communities. Khang was able to contribute to his school community in many ways, highlighted by his participation and running of the LNSC Breakfast Club and through the Senior College Leadership group. Fantastic work throughout the year, Khang.

Ampol Best Allrounder Award: Jena Sarris

Established in 1985, The Ampol Best All Rounder Award celebrates the leaders of tomorrow. The Ampol Best Rounder Award is presented in more than 2000 schools and acknowledges the student’s exemplary contribution to their school and wider community. The award recognizes leadership, service to community, sports, attitude, and personal conduct as important features of a well-rounded graduate to be our future leaders.

 Jena demonstrated all of these qualities, through active participation within her class, and school events. She also performed very well in all study areas. Well done, Jena.

Students Making A Difference- "SMAD" Leaders

The Senior Leaders of 2023 have shown the imagination, belief and courage to lead our student community and have left an indelible mark on our school. 

This year they have run 8 whole school awareness and activity days, contributed to school council, attended staff meetings, ran assemblies and assisted with the establishment of an everyday breakfast club to the college.

On behalf of myself and the whole school community I would like to thank them for their commitment to leadership during a year that is always busy and challenging.

Matthew Tucker, Director of Student Voice, Agency & Positive Climate for Learning.

The work that the Lalor North Music department put in for the College as a whole, and on an individual student basis is by far the best I have seen in my fourteen years in

education, and they need to be congratulated on the work they have achieved in recent 

times. Not only have they played at the Big Night Out, for local Primary Schools, and 

during our latest Year 7 to 11 Awards Ceremony, many have been performing recently at large scale Department of Education conferences showcasing the amazing talent that has come about because of the dedication from Dino, John, Lou, Mia and Phil. Well done and congratulations to the Music team and the performers tonight. 

 Chris Danher, Director of Engagement (Senior School)