READ MORE: How the local schools ranked

His glowing endorsement of graduates follows the release of HSC results on Thursday and Australian Tertiary Admission Rank on Friday.

“There was a friendly, competitive spirit among them which encouraged them all to do better,” Principal Ken Bates said.

“They supported each other in being better.

“As I say, a rising tide raises all boats.”

School captain and high achiever Lauren Allen echoed Mr Bates’ sentiments.

“I’ll be sad to leave school,” she said.

“It’s been a really great year, I’m proud of everyone, I probably wouldn’t have gotten through as I did if everyone wasn’t as supportive as they were. If there were any issues, everyone knew, so everyone was there. Teachers were supportive with work, making sure I was on track, the deputy made study timetable for me.”

Lauren wants to be an astronaut and will head to the University of Wollongong to study a double degree in maths and science (physics).

All of Vincentia’s high achievers interviewed on Monday will move away from the Shoalhaven in upcoming years to pursue career goals or take a well-earned break.

READ MORE: St John the Evangelist students have great plans

The school understands its top two ATAR results were attained by Ellie Wright-Pedersen and Jackson Andre – 95.1 and 90.9 respectively.

Ellie, a talented graphic designer, will start 2019 at the University of Technology, Sydney, doing a Bachelor of Design and Visual Communication.

She set her sights on the industry while completing a Certificate II at the Whitehouse Institute of Design in Surry Hills during school holidays in Year 11.

“Vincentia High gave me that opportunity, it was pretty fun, I figured out what I wanted to do,” Ellie said.

She’ll head to Denmark at the end of 2019.

“I'll work and study there because education is free,” Ellie said.

“I have no set plans, it’s easier to figure it out later.”

Jackson, former school captain, will study to become an architect in Sydney, inspired by his father’s work in the building industry.

“Dad’s a very good builder, I’ve been around work sites since I was a kid,” Jackson said.

“I think buildings have a big impact on how we work and our environment, and our environment is so important, especially going through the HSC. Having a good study space is so important. Architecture plays into everything in your life, ensuring you make a good impact on the environment and build a sustainable future.”

READ MORE: HSC 2018 results are in, students happy with their efforts

Tathra Difinubun also made the distinguished achievers list for two subjects, and looks forward to a gap year. She will join family members in Sydney where she will work and then travel.

When her HSC results came in, design and technology high achiever Terri Milani felt satisfied with her efforts.

“It was really rewarding to see it wasn’t for nothing, with all your schooling leading up to it, to be rewarded with a good mark was really nice,” Terri said.

She’s excited to move away from home and go to university.

Madeleine Cooper wants to become a vet, so she’s heading south-west to Wagga. She has enrolled in a Bachelor of Animal Science at Charles Sturt University and plans to transfer into Veterinary Science.

Chloe Mayberry aced Extension one English with a Band Six, and will study nursing at the University of Canberra.

Mr Bates added the students have Year Adviser and “school mum” Gabrielle Hobbs to thank for supporting them through the year.

“It was a rollercoaster that we certainly embraced with a lot of sophistication,” Mrs Hobbs said.

“They were a very supportive cohort and very grounded.”

Ellie Wright-Pederson - Design and Technology; Advanced English; Ancient History; Geography

Tathra Difinubun - Extension English 1 and Extension English 2

Jackson Andre - Advanced English; Society and Culture

Lauren Allen - Design and Technology

Elisha Byrnes - Extension English 1

Madeleine Cooper - Hospitality (Food and Beverage)

Chloe Mayberry - Extension English 1

Terri Milani - Design and Technology