Samuel Carter named Karratha Senior High School dux as Year 12’s hard work recognised

The Karratha Senior High School class of 2022 was farewelled last week at an emotional ceremony that celebrated their schooling achievements.

Karratha Senior High School hosted its presentation evening on October 26 at the Red Earth Arts Precinct, recognising the graduating class’ high achievers and celebrating the completion of secondary education for 130 students.

It involved congratulatory speeches, award presentations, a teary principal’s address by Ashley Eversden and a valedictory speech by school captains Jackson Byrne and Jelena Fallon.

Samuel Carter, 17, was awarded dux for his outstanding academic achievements.

Qistina Shahlan was runner up dux while Jay Griffiths was named Vocational Education and Training dux.

Speaking to the Pilbara News, Samuel, who also received the Walkington Award and the Long Tan Leadership and Teamwork Award, said the awards were recognition for all the hard work he had put in.

“It feels quite a privilege to have that recognised through these awards,” he said.

“Even still, these awards won’t show how hard I actually worked for all of high school really, but I’m really proud of what I’ve done and I’m really proud of how that’s helped others.”

Samuel, who studied six ATAR subjects, will move to Canberra next year to begin his university career at the Australian National University.

Looking back on his high school career, Samuel said it had been challenging.

“I’ve had some real ups and lows over the years,” he said.

“There’s been times where I’ve just wanted to give up and not wanting to continue and it is exhausting. But I think just persevering, being resilient. That in itself has taught me a lot.”

Meanwhile Vocational Education and Training dux Jay Griffiths said it was “pretty cool” to be recognised with the award.

Giving advice to the next Year 12 cohort, Jay said it was important to find a balance between working hard and enjoying yourself.

“Work hard, but still have fun and sort of enjoy yourself,” he said.

“I feel like just living a happy life helps out a lot, but also work hard because you want to get to where you want to be.”

Full list of special award winners:

Year 12 Coordinators Award Gemma Smith

Joy of Achievement Award Qistina Shahlan

Clontarf Award Mason Grant

Stars Foundation Award Maddison Knox

Nobles Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Scholarship Adyn Sinclair

Persistence and Resilience Award Erin Woolley

Citizenship Award Jerome Ieremia

Karratha Education Initiative Award Jorja Smith

Curtin University Principals Recommendation Award Aadhikar Sharma

Sports Star Award Preston Munro

Australian Defence Force Future Innovators Award Akshita Sharma

Long Tan Leadership and Teamwork Award Samuel Carter

Ampol Best all Rounder Award Jackson Byrne

Runner Up Dux Qistina Shahlan

Vocational Education and Training Dux Jay Griffiths

Dux Samuel Carter