While her peers were logging on to check their tertiary admission ranks on December 14, Elise was at the family’s vet clinic, keeping watch over her pet dog who was being treated for a paralysis tick.

“My HSC results took second priority,” Elise said.

“She’s pulled through, I’ve pulled through, so it’s all good in the end.”

After battling technical issues with the ATAR results website for up to two hours, Elise was finally able to celebrate her impressive rank of 97.25.

“It was very awesome to see that pop up. It was a nice stress reliever,” she said.

“I had a rough idea of what ATAR I might be hitting, but it took me a while to get onto the website.

“It opened at 9am, but I couldn’t get on until 10.30-11am. But it was worth the wait.”

Elise, who achieved top bands across English, Aboriginal Studies and Biology, said the mark put her well on track to pursue a pre-medical degree at university and become a remote GP.

“It’s good to have this mark as it’s made me more competitive in the courses I’m applying for and it has bolstered my chances of getting into Flinders Uni,” she said.

The Broulee graduate said maintaining a work/life balance was essential during her final years of school.

“I was determined not to let the HSC rule my life. I did everything I wanted to do. If I wanted to spend an evening with my friends, I did. If I wanted to work, I worked,” she said.

“I didn’t let the HSC dictate what I could and couldn’t do.

“It wasn’t all-consuming and overall, I had a really great time in Year 12.”

Also an advocate of HSC balance was her classmate, Lachlan Bice. He too is celebrating his HSC results.

The Bodalla teenager also received a top band in Biology and an ATAR of 88.2.

Lachlan said he worked hard to keep his stress levels in check during what is often a challenging time for students.

“It’s only a mark, it’s not the end of the world,” Lachlan said.

“I didn’t feel stressed at all. I was eager to do the exams but I wasn’t feeling heaps of pressure.

“I tried to keep up to date with all the work and just try not to get too stressed out, making sure I was having breaks.

“Every time there was a chance, I would see my mates or work on the farm.”

Lachlan plans to study at Melbourne University next year and follow his passion in agricultural science.

St Peter’s Anglican College principal, Darren McPartland said the school was proud, not only of its students’ achievements, but their healthy attitude during HSC time.

“Balance for the students is so important for their mental health,” Mr McPartland said.

“The HSC is just one point in their life. For the most part, our students have done very well as that this year.”

Mr McPartland said the solid results were a reflection of many months of hard work.

“We had a really strong group who were committed to doing the best they could, whatever level that was for each individual,” he said.

“We are so proud of how they all worked to exceed their own expectations.”