The class of 2025 at Edmund Rice College (ERC) in Wollongong has delivered an exceptional set of Higher School Certificate results, showcasing strength across academic, creative, and sporting fields.
Academic Excellence and State Rankings
Three students secured prestigious state rankings among their remarkable achievements. Dante Hernandez earned an impressive third place in the state for Studies of Religion II. In PDHPE, Jayden Washbourne and Dylan Belokoski ranked ninth and seventeenth respectively.
College vice-captain Jayden Washbourne expressed his elation at reaching his goal of a top-twenty state ranking. He credited his dedicated teachers for their support and for pushing him to succeed throughout his HSC journey.
Overall, the cohort produced 15 ATAR scores above 90 and celebrated 36 Distinguished Achievers, students who earned a result in the highest band for one or more subjects.
Creative Arts Triumph with Art Express
The college's visual arts program achieved outstanding recognition, with three students having their major works selected for the prestigious Art Express exhibition. A further six students received nominations.
John Paul Bridger, whose photography will be exhibited at the Hazelhurst Arts Centre, said the college allowed him to continue his lifelong passion for art. Edward Guest explored aerial photography using a drone, capturing landscapes like Lake Illawarra. His shock and excitement were palpable upon learning his work would feature at the Broken Hill City Art Gallery.
William Soster's photographic series will be included in the Art Express Virtual Exhibition. Additionally, five students earned SHAPE nominations for exemplary major works in industrial technology and design.
Dominance in Representative Sport
The graduating class further cemented ERC's reputation as a powerhouse in school sport. Daniel Meafou was named Wollongong Diocesan Sportsman of the Year after selection in NSW Combined Catholic Colleges teams for both rugby union and rugby league.
Meafou, alongside Cooper Morrison, were key players in the ERC open team crowned NSW Rugby League Champions. Year 12 students also contributed to the college's open football team becoming NSW CCC Champions and the gold-winning CCC senior relay swim team.
College captain Henry Jones gained selection in the NSWCCC hockey team, with Jonah O'Dea selected for volleyball.
ERC Principal, Dr Stephen Gough, praised the graduating class, stating they should be incredibly proud of their diverse successes. He highlighted that the students continually compete with the best in the state across many subjects.
Dr Gough said the graduates had shown themselves to be leaders of integrity who embraced learning with resilience and creativity. He noted their legacy would inspire future students as the college approaches its centenary year in 2026.
