2025 Dux - Harley Cek

The Anthony Family Trophy for College Dux is presented each year to the Year 12 student who has demonstrated the most outstanding academic achievement. We are delighted to announce that the 2025 College Dux is Harley Cek. This award also includes a bursary generously donated by Mr David Anthony.

Harley’s academic record throughout 2025 was exceptional. He received the Principal’s Medal for Academic Achievement, as well as Subject Awards in Chemistry, Economics, Literature, and Specialist Mathematics. Harley also attained an Academic Excellence Award and achieved As in all of his subjects. 

 We caught up with Harley after he received his award, and he generously shared more information about his plans for the future and the secrets to his success! Read more below.

1. Now that you have finished Year 12, what are your plans for the future?

Starting this year, I am studying a Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery at JCU Townsville. I’m heading in with an open mind as to specialisations, but have an interest in rural generalist medicine. 

2. Did you always have a clear focus on your pathway after graduation, or did this develop over time? 

From pretty early on I knew I wanted to work in healthcare, however in Year 10 I became set on studying medicine. Understanding the demanding nature of the profession, I attended programs, did a lot of research and had conversations with healthcare professionals of different disciplines within the community which helped me refine where I wanted to work more specifically in the industry. I’d definitely recommend current students do this to ensure you understand the reality of the future career path you’re pursuing. 

3. Did someone or something inspire you during your education? Are there any teachers or people who influenced you who you would like to note?

I always enjoyed school, and did relatively well but as I progressed through more senior schooling there were many teachers who believed in me more than I did, and pushed me to undertake subjects that I never thought I would’ve. I still remember leaving my SET Plan with Mr Vaughan thinking ‘what have I just signed myself up for’, but his encouragement and belief has proven to be one of the most important driving forces to my success. Similarly, maths was never my strongest subject area in junior school, but Miss Kleyn insisted that I did Specialist Maths and helped me so much along the way - which ended up being one of my most enjoyable and well performing subjects. I think a lot of us are overly self-critical or self-doubtful, and sometimes our teachers can see our potential more than we can - so take their recommendations and know they’ll be there to support you along the way. 

4. What advice would you give to younger students at St Stephen's?

The biggest piece of advice I have for younger students at SSCC is to be ambitious. We are so privileged to have staff and teachers that genuinely want us to succeed and will also help you get there. Hold yourself to a high standard, and set ambitious goals - they will always seem out of reach, until you start working towards them. This doesn’t just apply to academics, but all aspects of college life to which I implore you to make the most of. Get amongst sporting activities, community events, and every opportunity that presents itself to you while you’re at the college. That being said, balance is the most important thing we can have while studying to avoid burning out; make sure you see your mates, move your body and get out of the house to look after your mental and physical wellbeing - these are productive too! 

5. How did you manage the responsibilities of your leadership position, studies and any other outside school commitments during your senior years?

In Year 12 I had the privilege of being a college captain, had lots of other commitments within and outside of school and also worked throughout the year - you don’t need to quit hobbies or your job in order to succeed. Forward planning and time management is the most important thing to have when completing Year 12. I set a certain amount of hours I wanted to study for each day, and made sure I planned my day accordingly to achieve this - even if it meant studying through some recesses. I also used an app on my phone to keep track of the time I was studying and to keep me off my phone, making sure to take regular breaks. I personally do blocks of 50 minutes followed by a 10 minute break.

6. What do you put your success down to?

A massive part of my success comes down to my teachers. I’d like to thank Ms Somerton, Mr Vaughan, Ms Ledlin and Miss Kleyn for their belief in me and their support through subject choices, internal assessments and the lead up to external exams. While their knowledge and support were instrumental to my success, the bulk of the work is done at home by yourself. Staying disciplined to study consistently throughout the week, using effective study techniques, being intentional with my time and making sure I maintained a balance is also what I hold to be one of the biggest drivers of my success. 

7. What was the most helpful piece of advice you were given during your schooling?

Discipline over motivation. Once I had the goal of getting into medicine, I formulated habits and a plan that would help me get there. Naturally, our motivation levels rise and fall, and so I knew that I needed to rely on discipline to ensure I was giving myself the best shot at getting into medicine as I could. Consistently ‘good’ efforts are better than occasional ‘great’ efforts, and it really comes down to the work you put in day in, day out.

8. What were the biggest challenges you had to overcome in your schooling?

A big challenge that comes up, especially in senior years, is comparison. Comparing with classmates hours spent studying, grades and time you have to study is never productive and can get to be problematic. In a lot of my classes, we worked together and helped each other understand content or fill in each other's gaps in learning. This proved to be immensely beneficial to us all, and brought us closer together. A bit of healthy competition isn’t a bad thing, but always be there for and help each other - especially in harder subjects. 

We wish Harley all the best as he steps into his medical degree, and we look forward to keeping in touch with his future achievements.