No doubt the toast of Mollymook, Cameron claimed four band six (scores over 90) in chemistry, mathematics extension 1 and 2 and Studies in Religion.

He missed out on another band six in physics by just one mark, and also posted a band five in advanced English.

"Just so happy with my results," he said.

"I was hoping for anything over 90 - 98.5 is just incredible."

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While his fellow St John's cohort were at the celebratory morning tea for the 2020 HSC students at the school, instead he was working at the Arcadia Cinemas in Ulladulla.

"I'm very fortunate and blessed to get this mark," he said.

"It's not just me, it's a true reflection on the school and the way everyone stuck together and helped each other, including, of course the teachers, during the year."

And what a year 2020 was, not just for the HSC students, but all students.

The area battled bushfires, floods and then the COVID-19 pandemic, the latter, at times meaning some big disruptions to learning.

"Our year adviser Ms Isemonger was fantastic, keeping us all together and focused," he said.

"She has a great attitude and I loved her sport references - she kept us all going and focused.

"She made it fun but also believed in hard work."

He also paid credit to his teachers - Mr McKinnon (maths), Ms Cadman (chemistry), Ms Selmes (English) and Ms Graham (religion).

"They were all brilliant and a great help," he said.

"Along with friends Sue Bateman, Mark Griffin and Joshua Westaway who gave me some extra help with chemistry and maths.

"I was very fortunate to have some great help along the way and, of course, my family."

And although his future is not locked down, he is leaning towards studying engineering and maths at the University of Queensland.

"Nothing is locked in yet and we'll see what happens," he said.

"I'd like to eventually do something with engineering, have my own business, but I need to complete uni first, then work for someone and get some experience," he said.

"I love problem solving and anything to do with engineering or technology."

How did he cope during COVID?

"It was different," he admitted but said he "just kept working".

"It only became an issue if you let it become an issue," he said.

"I just kept working and persevering. I think I handled it pretty well - I kept up my independent study, so that was good.

"Honestly, I did study quite a lot but I also have a casual job to keep the money coming in and went out with friends at weekends once in a while.

"I suppose the big secret is just constantly chipping away."

St John's had 18 students on the Distinguished Achievers List from its 131 2020 HSC students.

The school posted 30 band six results over 17 subjects and 170 band fives.

Hot on Cameron's heels was Kayleigh Sleath who scored an ATAR of 98.35 in drama, advanced English, extension 1 and 2 maths and Studies in Religion.

Among the school's other high achievers were Amy Clothier 94.4, Lisa Burge 93.35. Ella McMahon 93.15 and Freya Robinson-Mills 91.65

Principal Sandra Hogan was proud of the students' results.

"Outstanding," she said.

"The results are superb and a credit to the hard work everyone, the students, teachers and staff put in.

"We had a real focus on positivity - whatever was thrown at them we looked for the positives.

"Of course, overriding it all was our concern for the welfare of our students.

"But they banded together - even through COVID, when we were forced into remote learning they adapted - we thought that would be for the term - they got their mindset to that and then just weeks later we were allowed back into school and they adapted to that as well."

She also paid credit to year adviser Wendy Isemonger, who she said did a superb job in keeping the student body engaged, enthused and ready to work.

"Wendy did a fantastic job," she said.

"It wasn't just about hard work - she initiated a number of strategies and events to help the students cope - lunchtime volleyball competitions, study breaks, lunchtime study groups, even music trivia."

Ms Isemonger said she was delighted with how the students were able to adapt in testing times, especially with COVID.

"We had a saying 'get into the new groove and stay in the groove' and the kids did," she said.

"They all adapted and did what they had to do to get through. Just amazing

"They are a great group - the collegiate spirit was fantastic - they were all there for each other.

"They worked together - it was a real team effort."

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