High-flier tops exam scores

Geraldton Senior High School graduate Jacob Warhurst wasn’t sure whether he wanted to be a pilot or a doctor.

So when he made up his mind, the choice seemed obvious: join the Royal Flying Doctor Service.

Last week, Jacob, pictured, was “pleasantly surprised” to learn he had achieved the highest ATAR result in Geraldton with a score of 98.

“I’m planning to go straight to uni and start studying medicine — I think I’ll probably end up heading to UWA (University of Western Australia),” the 17-year-old said.

“I originally wanted to be a pilot but decided I liked medicine better. So I became interested in the Royal Flying Doctors through liking both of those career options.”

Although he didn’t work this year, instead focusing all his energy on studying, Jacob avoided the dreaded burn-out by maintaining hobbies such as playing B-grade soccer for Chapman Athletic.

A keen student of chemistry, physics and maths, Jacob offered the following advice for next year’s graduates.

“What worked well for me was just keeping my stress levels low and just enjoying the moment,” he said.

Strathalbyn Christian College student Makenzie Wilson, who scored 93.25, said it was vital to remain calm and collected.

“The worst thing you can bring into an exam is a bad headspace,” the 18-year-old said.

“I have honestly studied harder for exams in the past and got worse results, just because I burnt myself out. Taking time out for yourself is so important.”

Ms Wilson also has her sights set on studying medicine.

“I’m just pretty keen to become a doctor and see where it takes me from there,” she said. “I’m thinking of being an emergency room doctor, or maybe even getting into obstetrics, if I was to specialise.”

Ms Wilson said she was “in shock” when her ATAR score — the highest in her school — was revealed.

“I couldn’t sit still in my chair, I was really ecstatic,” she said.

Nagle Catholic College student Amy Ahearn topped her school’s ATAR rankings with 97.1, while Geraldton Grammar School’s Lhyncee Cabuguas scored 94.58.