Alumni 

Where are they now?

At Evans High School we are so proud of all our students, both past and present. As a small school community we are able to build long-lasting relationships that go beyond the classroom. It's always exciting to hear how successful our students are.

John Finocchi (School Captain- 1977)

What years did you attend Evans HS?

1974 - 1977

What are some exciting things you have done since leaving Evans HS?

I went to Sydney University for the first six months of my Physiotherapy degree then was transferred to the Cumberland College of Health Science to undertake the four year course. I then worked at Blacktown Hospital for the first year as a physiotherapist then went to Wagga Wagga Base Hospital and worked there for over two years. I saved enough money to travel around Europe on a bus trip and decided to stay there for a further four months with relatives. 

When I came back to Blacktown I got a job at St Joseph's Hospital in Auburn and later moved to Mackay in Queensland where i married my wife. 

I have always played sports; soccer, tennis, cricket, volleyball, then finally settled with surfing – my passion! I started surfing when i was in year 11 at Evans HS. I've been on many surf trips, in some really exotic areas such as Bali, Maldives, Gold Coast, Byron Bay, Ballina, and the Sunshine Coast.

I also played guitar and sang in a local Mackay rock band for about two years. We travelled around to local towns around the region and played gigs in pubs, social events, New Years celebrations , backyard parties.... mostly ours!

What is your occupation?

I was the Physiotherapist in charge at Mackay Base Hospital for  a very long time then moved to my current position as Senior Physiotherapist (Musculoskeletal).

What courses have you undertaken since leaving Evans HS?

Bachelor of Applied Sciences, Physiotherapy  (Cumberland College of Health Sciences)

Certificate of Health Management, QLD

Certificate in Spinal Manual Therapy, Perth

What is your favourite memory of Evans HS?

We were a small school growing yearly in numbers,  but we were competitive in sports and many school based activities such as maths competitions and debating. We knew each other well and were like a big family because of the close connections we had with our teachers. The teachers were there to help not only with school work but with life in general.

Who was your favourite teacher and why?

Mr Smith (Science) was a kind, softly spoken and fair teacher. I loved Science and its mysteries and he made it enjoyable to learn. Other teachers I owe much to include Mrs Kathner (English), Mr Keech (Maths) and many others.

What was your favourite thing about studying in your senior years at Evans HS?

I loved that we knew all the teachers and they would talk to us in a friendly, genuine way and went above and beyond to support us. 

What advice would you give to a student in their senior years?

School wasn't easy, although I worked hard to do homework and assignments and gave up some things that helped me get through it. What you miss out on in your senior years is not as big a deal as you think in the long run. Bottom line is, do what you have to do and get the grades. Do your honest best and be proud of what you've done. If you are not proud of it then improve it, do that extra study and review your work. How you perform in your se