Liam’s Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank of 98.85 rocketed him to the top of the south-west, something the 18-year-old said he wasn’t expecting. “It’s a bit of a shock,” he said. “I was bloody surprised to learn I was the dux of the school. I don’t know what to say about topping the region.” 

Liam said he received his results through an early morning text message. 

 “I’ve been doing a bit of plumbing work with dad over the holidays, so I was already up getting ready for work,” he said. 

“Everyone was really excited. Mum shed a couple of tears, I think. Her and dad were both really happy for me.” 

Liam said his better-than-expected result meant he would reassess his 2014 plans. 

“I’d applied to do a science degree, but I’m thinking now I’d like to pursue medicine,” he said. 

“I’ll have to go to a couple of the information days down in Melbourne and talk to the teachers at school to figure out what to do with the change of preference.” 

Liam said he found balance during the school year. 

“I played footy out at North Warrnambool and trained once a week and spent some time with my mates, which gave me a bit of a break from it all,” he said.