Alumni – Seymour College

After graduating Seymour College in 2015 I underwent a gap year for a break and preparation for university. During this year the primary focus was work which entailed lifeguarding at the indoor/outdoor pools across the district and at events. When not there I was working another job at a local petrol station. This work experience was great but during the year I decided on a different life experience being a trip to Europe with a mate, teaching me all sorts of things that were beneficial to helping my growth and learning about independence. This gap year was also capped off by a life changing leadership course called RYLA(Rotary Youth Leadership Award) sponsored through the local Rotary club which inspired me and had me eagerly awaiting university. I strongly recommend a gap year as these experiences not only got me ready for university but also will help me for many, many years to come.

I am currently doing a Bachelor of Science at the University of Melbourne and enjoying it thoroughly. I had no idea going in what area of science I wanted (enjoyed so many of them) so this general starting point was perfect for me. I have now decided on majoring in Physics.
James Price.

After attending Seymour Primary School and Seymour Tech High, until the end of 2010. Jordan transferred to the very new John Monash Science School in Melbourne, to enhance his love of Science, for his final 3 years of school.

After completing his VCE at JMSS, Jordan studied a Batchelor of Bioscience at Latrobe University Melbourne, majoring in Zoology & Ecology. To put himself through University Jordan worked in hospitality as a Corporate Box Steward at Etihad Stadium and the MCG and as a Lifeguard at Avenel & Nagambie pools.

After graduating from Uni, with not many jobs on offer, Jordan started an apprenticeship as an Arborist with Cutting Edge Tree Services in Mount Waverley to further upskill himself for future employment.

On weekends Jordan works for Aussie Wildlife Displays, doing presentations of some of Australia’s most loved and feared animals for people of all ages in and around Melbourne. This really suits his love of animals big and small.

Jordan Stokes

During VCE I studied a range of subjects. In Year 11 I studied English, Mathematical Methods, Chemistry, Indonesian, Psychology and completed a Certificate 2 in Hospitality.
In Year 12 I studied English, Further Math, Psychology, Biology and Environmental Science.
I completed Year 12 in 2018 and plan to take a Gap year in 2019 before studying Science and Global Studies at Monash University in 2020.

During my gap year I plan to take my passion for the environment and sustainability to Canada. I have been given the opportunity to work on a Camp Yowachas (84km West of Edmonton) for 5 months, thanks to a global volunteering organisation called Latitude. I will be working as a Camp Counsellor. This involves me being a big sister to all the camp participants, guiding them through outdoor adventure activities and spending 24 hours a day with them during the summer. In the quieter months I will be getting a broad range of camp experiences as I cook, clean and generally help around camp.

This experience will increase my world knowledge and gain me valuable skills in the outdoors. The opportunity I believe will benefit me not only in university but for the rest of my life.

Before I leave in mid April I am working at local restaurants, cafes and volunteering as much as I can. I am continuing my dedication to community groups such as Evolve Strathbogie Shire Youth Council, and M.Power, as well as volunteering at the annual Nagambie On Water Festival and training to be a facilitator for the “Climate 4 Change” organisation.

In 2020 I plan to live on campus studying at Monash. I am not yet sure what career I wish to pursue but my passion lies in working with people and science in a natural environment.

-Ashleigh Butcher

Since finishing VCE in 2013, I really didn’t know what life had in store for me or where I was going as school wasn’t my strong point. I worked at a local pharmacy for a year and then decided to make the move to Bendigo where I was selected by Bendigo Health to undertake a hospital funded full time nursing assistant course. After completing the 12 month course I successfully gained employment in the Intensive care unit working alongside some of the most amazing doctors and nurses in a brand new world class hospital. Being in this part of the hospital really opened my eyes to nursing and enlightened me on the impact nurses have on helping some of the most sickest people in regional Victoria. From my experience of being in ICU I felt it was only right to become a nurse myself. In 2017 I started my registered nursing degree at Latrobe university with hopes to be a neonatal ICU nurse and midwife.

After completing Year 12 at Seymour College in 2017 I received an offer to study a Bachelor of Bioscience at Latrobe Bundoora, however I had to decline as I could not defer for more than a year. However this will give me time to work and get a Diploma of Remedial Massage at the Melbourne Institute of Massage Therapy. Achieving this I will be able to be flexible with my hours and pay when I go to Latrobe as a mature aged student, as Latrobe had many ways you can get into the course you want.
Crystal Logan.

Jesse Rudd-Schmidt.
After completing my year 12 at Seymour Technical High School in 2005, I worked for a year at the high school as lab technician before beginning my university studies at La Trobe University in 2007. My choice of study was a double degree in ‘Science/Nanotechnology’, largely inspired by the excitement with which this emerging field was spoken of by one of my science teachers at STHS. Could this new technology really go on to create tiny medical robots that target infected cells in the human body? And more importantly, could it fix Mr Jimenez’s dodgy knee so he could play soccer again?!

I quickly found out that this course was perfect for me, as it allowed me to study a broad range of science (Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Maths) whilst also specialising in nanotechnology specific subjects, where class sizes were low and hands on experience with specialist scientific instruments was available.

Being involved in actual research projects during my undergraduate degree was the key to sparking/maintaining my passion for science. I was even fortunate enough to receive authorship on a research paper during my final undergraduate year. It is an amazing feeling to discover something new and contribute to the field of scientific knowledge, so with this enthusiasm, and after completing my undergraduate degree with majors in Biochemistry and Physics in 2010, I pursued my honours year in Biochemistry. My research project involved studying the sexual development of the malaria parasite, Plasmodium falciparum. This was both a challenging and rewarding year academically, and provided me with the skills and qualifications needed to work as a research assistant.

At the end of 2011, after achieving first class honours, I was offered to study a PhD. However after 5 years of study I was ready for a change and applied for work as a research assistant in a research laboratory. I was successful in gaining employment at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, working in the field of Cancer Immunology. After starting my employment in 2012, I still work there today and have been involved in numerous publications. My work focuses on the ability of cytotoxic lymphocytes (immune cells) to destroy virally infected and malignant cells (using a toxic payload of perforin and granzymes) without being destroyed themselves. Understanding this could potentially also explain how some tumours evade the immune system. I am able to use techniques learnt at university to investigate this phenomenon, including high resolution microscopy to watch these biological events in real time. I find my work very interesting, and it is constantly inspiring to be surrounded by some of the world’s leading scientific researchers.

Ashleigh Paholek.

During year 11 and 12 I studied a range of subjects including Math Methods, English, Product Design and Technology, Studio Arts, Outdoor and Environmental studies and Legal studies. Leading up to year 12 I was set on studying fashion design at RMIT and had never heard of a university course called a Bachelor of Arts. When I didn’t get a spot at RMIT I had no idea what to do but I completed the year as well as I could, getting a good ATAR. I decided that I just needed to get a degree and after looking into crime, law and even creative arts I decided that I should just get a base degree and settled on Arts. I got my first preference of studying Arts at Monash University and I have loved it. Arts at Monash has given me such a flexible degree, I have studied subjects in business, international relations, behavioural science and so much more. After first year I decided that I wanted to take most of my subjects in the area of journalism, which created my major. I found journalism fun, interesting and something that I wouldn’t mind spending most of my classes doing. I am minoring in philosophy, which is something that will never help me but a class that I found made me think in a way that I enjoyed. I am now completing my final semester of this undergraduate degree and I could not be more pleased with where it has taken me. I have studied over in Italy and have a practical base to show to potential employers. I am currently the Executive Producer of the student broadcast publication ‘Mojo TV’ and I have interned with the ABC, Channel 9 and Win News.

Andrea McKenzie.

Since graduating from Seymour Technical High School in 2011, I have successfully completed 4 years of University, graduating with a Bachelor of Education. I was lucky enough to be offered a teaching positing straight out of University, which I happily accepted, allowing me to become Miss McKenzie, Grade 3 teacher at Kilmore Primary School. I thoroughly enjoy being a teacher and feel very privileged to assist in the education of the younger generation.

Karen Towt

I graduated in Seymour Technical High School’s Class of 1991 after which I was offered a position to study a Bachelor of Arts majoring in both Public Administration and Criminal Justice Administration at RMIT in Melbourne. I enrolled in additional courses and was the only student to complete the double major in three years. I was one of the top three graduates of the degree.

La Trobe University then offered me a place in its Honors Program and I completed my thesis in Political Science a year later after which I enrolled with Monash University’s School of Law.

I completed my Law Degree in 1998 and undertook the requisite practical training at a firm in the city before admission to practice as a barrister and solicitor of the High Court of Australia and the Supreme Court of Victoria in 2000.

At the end of 2001 I traveled to Ireland and spent the next two years backpacking around the world.

In 2003 I sat the Qualified Lawyers Transfer Test at the College of Law in London. I then worked as a barrister and solicitor in England and Wales until 2008 when I moved to New Zealand to live with my Kiwi husband.

The Trans Tasman legislation means that my qualifications as a solicitor in Australia were easily transferable to New Zealand and I was admitted to practice here in 2008.

Until recently I have always worked in insurance litigation (primarily representing plaintiffs) and have worked on some very high profile cases. I have two preschool boys and have recently left full time work as a lawyer to undertake a Masters in Law. My ambition now is to teach law at a tertiary level. Obtaining a PhD isn’t really a goal of mine but I haven’t ruled it out either. I will focus on the Masters first and see what happens.

I had lots of ambition when I was a STHS student but was never sure I could catch the stars I reached for. With hard work, fierce determination and the support of a very special STHS teacher who believed in me (and many years later came to my law school graduation), I did.

Hannah Skewes.

After finishing VCE at Seymour College, I started at the University of Melbourne in 2011. I studied a Bachelor of Commerce, majored in Economics and Marketing, and also completed a concurrent Diploma in Modern Languages in Indonesian. In my first year of university, I stayed on campus at University College, which helped me fit in to university life and make great new friends.
I graduated from the University of Melbourne in 2014 and had accepted an offer to the Northern Territory Government’s Department of Treasury and Finance graduate program for 2015 in Darwin. As at graduate,
I worked across various output groups such as Economic Policy, Financial Analysis and the Territory Revenue Office. I am currently employed as an Analyst in the Economic Analysis unit, which prepares economic briefings and advice on policy issues for government.

Carly Burgess.

I graduated from Seymour Technical High School (Seymour College) in 2010 and I successfully completed a double degree of Bachelor of Law and Bachelor of Arts with a major in Advanced Indonesian. The decision was easy to study law and Indonesian as my teachers at Seymour inspired and motivated me to continue. During my studies, I have completed two seasonal clerkships at Melbourne law firms, worked at several law firms and shadowed criminal law barristers in jury trials to gain first-hand experience. I am currently at the end of my first year as a Graduate Lawyer at a Melbourne commercial law firm. In December, I will have completed my Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice at the Leo Cussen Centre for Law. I feel very privileged to be able to help people every day navigate the complex legal system. Upon my admission to practice as a barrister and solicitor of the Supreme Court of Victoria early next year, I wish to complete a Masters of Family Law, and then attain accreditation to become an Accredited Specialist in family law.

James Pace.

Since completing year 12 VCE at Seymour College I was fortunate enough to land myself a laboring job in Avenel working for Joe Balls Canvas Products, since then I have started an apprenticeship there in Automotive and Marine upholstering and Vehicle trimming technician ( I work on interiors of cars/boats) I was successful enough to land myself apprentice of the year at the Holmesglen tafe, I am looking to take it out again this year, life is going well.

Brenda Stewart

My name is Brenda Stewart and I am a Seymour P-12 college graduate. I graduated in 2010 and had no clue what I was going to do in the adult world once exams were over. I worked two jobs for two years in hospitality. It’s a love hate profession but I love the fast pace. So I applied for an apprenticeship in Richmond. It was a good place to start but after a year and half it was time for a change of skills. I am now working at Mitchelton Wines in Nagambie. A well established winery, in the restaurant learning all new things. I study at William Angliss Institute which is the best place to study culinary. I am nearly finished my apprenticeship and once qualified I plan to do what most chefs who enjoy this lovely industry do. Travel, eat and continue to learn.

Nick Ridd.

Nick attended Seymour East Primary School and then Seymour Technical High School. He graduated in year 10 and completed a carpentry apprenticeship with his father Ron Ridd. He finished his apprenticeship after four years and moved to Albury NSW. He worked with a carpenter who specialized in the construction of staircases and for Metricon Homes. He moved back to Seymour and went into partnership with his father. Nick also travelled around Australia and worked for lots of different people in the building profession. He returned to Seymour and has taken over his father’s business. Nick is an independent builder, who builds niche homes, he is continually learning new skills and has employed and trained over forty people in his career so far.

Emma Hays.

I graduated from Seymour College in 2011 and have since completed a Bachelor of Biomedical Science (Honours) at Deakin University. My research project involved investigating the effects novel brain cancer therapeutics have on the blood-brain barrier. I hope to begin a PhD in medical science next year.

Rogan Mannix.

After graduating Seymour College, I decided to forego the idea of university for a year. During this period I began working in general administrative, training and consultancy positions until receiving my current posting of Training and Development Consultant for AusNet Services. Applying myself through my current position it has evolved to the point where I am now at the head of online training development as well as responsible for creation and update of competency management systems.

Cory Barnard.

I studied year at Seymour Technical High School the year before it became the p-12 college. I wasn’t successful at a university place so Instead I decided to go to study nursing at tafe in Shepparton. I completed my diploma in nursing, but did not choose to work in the field. Instead I currently work in the hospitality industry as a bartender and as a group fitness trainer, whilst I further myself into the fitness industry, i am looking to study for a bachelor’s degree.

Sharna Jarvis.

After finishing year 12 in 1990, I completed a Chemical Engineering degree at RMIT and found a job with Shell where I have remained for the last 22 years.
Shell has enabled a number of different careers including Engineering, Plant Manager and even as a Global Programme Manager in the Shell Foundation dealing with poverty eleviation and access to energy in developing countries. My job has taken me from Geelong, to Perth, to London and I am currently finishing a 8 year role as a Crude Oil Trader in Singapore. At the end of 2016 I will be returning to Perth to work in the LNG and Domestic Gas business where my 2 children will finally get to live in Australia for the first time!

Katherine Ivosevic

Since attending year 12 in 1988, I have gone on to complete a Diploma of Business HR, Advanced Diploma of Business and more recently Graduate Certificate of Management (pathway to MBA) which I am still working through. When I left STHS I was still unsure of what I wanted to do, as is the case for a number of students. I am the General Manager Human Resources for GrainCorp (S&L) which is an Agri-business and although I am based in Sydney, I travel constantly to our 170 sites around the country. The connection to Agriculture was generated no doubt from the area I grew up in, coming from the farming background and STHS definitely influenced my decision to pursue Human Resources.

Darcey Jane Goodman.

After completing year 12 in 2014 at Seymour College, I got my first preference to study a Batchelor of Creative Arts at Latrobe University in Melbourne. Studying at Uni has opened my eyes to so many new interests, such as a love for Journalism, Media and Entertainment, as well as bringing me other amazing opportunities including a love for University Cheer Leading that has seen me travel interstate for competitions all over Australia.

My next big adventure is undertaking a University International Exchange Program to Florida USA where I will be living, studying and working at Disney World as a Character Performer in 2017.

This is an opportunity that I’m sure will further my future career aspirations and be an unforgettable experience. From Seymour College to Disney World USA, you just never know where your studies will take you.

Danielle Whitfort.

Danielle began dancing at the age of 3, in her local town of Seymour, where she also completed her Primary schooling at Seymour East Primary School and continued on at Seymour College until year 9 in 2012. In 2013, Danielle completed her first year of full time ballet at The Jane Moore Academy of Ballet in Victoria whilst studying year 10 through Distance Education Centre Victoria. In 2014 she was accepted by audition into the Victorian College of the Arts Secondary School, where she spent two years training and studying her final years of school, completing her VCE in 2015. Danielle completed her Advanced 2 Cecchetti exam in 2015, receiving 100%. Danielle has just completed a pre-professional training year alongside the Melbourne City Ballet Company (MCB finishing year) in 2016 and has now been promoted to Emerging Artist with Melbourne City Ballet Company for 2017.

Tiffany Lorenzi.

I graduated from Seymour P-12 College last year (2016). Despite being initially disappointed with my ATAR, I was offered a place at RMIT University studying Cert IV in Justice, which allows a pathway for me to study a bachelor’s degree. So far my experience with uni has been very enjoyable and I look forward to seeing what my future studies hold for me.

Teghan Goodger.

After completing year 12 at Seymour College in 2016, I have commenced a Bachelor of Criminology at La Trobe University. Throughout my VCE at Seymour College I took subjects including legal studies, psychology, maths, english and biology. Taking legal studies in year 11 and 12 was a big part of the reason I chose to study a Bachelor of Criminology as I found I was very interested in the law. My studies so far at La Trobe have been very interesting and has opened up a range of new concepts about the law and legal system as a whole. My course will go for 3 years with a range of different subjects each semester. After completing this course, I wish to become a police officer hoping to end up in a detective unit.

Jacinta Jamison.

After studying at Seymour Technical High School and graduating in 2008, I had decided to take a gap year and worked as a receptionist to earn my Certificate 3 in Business. It was not entirely what I planned but it was a start. I received acceptance into a Bachelor of Physical Education in 2010 at Ballarat University and completed 3 years of study, in those three years I completed my Diploma in Remedial Massage and worked for a number of football/netball clubs. I travelled to Vietnam for 6 months and worked as a ESL teacher, and at the end of 2012 I decided to come back to Australia and completed my final year at RMIT university with a Bachelor of Applied Science (Physical Education).

I didn’t go into teaching straight away, at the end of university I was offered to work at Thomastown Aquatic Centre as an Aquatics Coordinator so I decided to take that opportunity, while still working in Seymour at the Aquatic Centre on weekends, and also managed to start some casual relief teaching at Seymour College. I travelled to Europe in the middle of the year in 2014, which was amazing. A job opened up at Seymour College whilst I was travelling and I decided to apply. I had an interview and started working as the primary school PE teacher in June 2014 (which I absolutely loved) the kids are just gorgeous – so many personalities, it really made teaching worthwhile. I worked at the primary school for nearly two years, I decided I wanted to give high school teaching a go, a job opening came up in the high school sector and I decided to apply. I originally wanted to become a high school teacher, having loved my high school sports teacher and also being an avid sports lover myself.
I started working within the high school Jan 2016 – I was offered and accepted the position with also becoming the year 8 coordinator. A challenging, yet rewarding role. I however have had to put my teaching on hold for now after becoming a mum to a beautiful little girl in October 2016. I do have further plans for the future – but only time will tell what they will be.