WEDDERBURN College dux Ella Bailey has spent the past two years immersed in study and a  growing love of Korean music.
She now has her sights on a business-arts double at Monash University and learning the Kor-ean language, hoping to become a translator and interpreter.
“I got into the culture of South Korean music, my interest was piqued first by one pop music group and then other groups,” said Ella.
“Their music is upbeat and spreads a lot of positive words about loving yourself, enjoying life ... meaningful words, of dancing and singing.”
Ella said she was surprised to be the college’s top VCE student when results were received on Monday morning.
“I really didn’t think I would be the dux. All I wanted was to do the best I could and this is just a bonus,” she said.
“I had to step up in the VCE years and make more of a commitment to study.
“The results were pretty good overall and shows that if you put in the hours and do the work, what can be achieved.”
Ella’s final years of secondary school also saw her working at 24 Karat Cafe and joining the kitchen staff at the Wedderburn Hotel in July.
Ella studied English, business management, biology, health and human development and physical education.
Principal Danny Forrest said Ella’s achievements reflected the strong ethos of the college’s 2023 VCE cohort.
“It’s a credit to Ella to have earned the mantle of this year’s dux and an inspiration to all students who will follow in her footsteps in coming years,” said Mr Forrest.
The school’s vocational major dux was Conrad Sudgen who has already started an apprentice ship.