Celebrating the VCE Class of 2025: Journeys from STEM to Creative Arts

Rebecca Koehne  

From a young age, Rebecca has looked to the stars – literally. A fascination with space science and a curiosity for how the world works sparked her early interest in STEM, which grew into a defining passion throughout her time at MLC.  “I’ve always been interested in space science,” Rebecca said. “Even as a child, I loved learning about space and the solar system.” 

In Year 5, Rebecca discovered a passion for coding through MLC’s academic enhancement program. “They had really good coding courses, and that’s mainly how I learnt Python,” she explained. “It was a really good opportunity to extend myself. That was when I figured out, ‘this is what I want to do’.”  

In her final year, she shaped her VCE studies around STEM interests, undertaking Math Methods, Specialist Maths, Chemistry and Physics. Now a Year 12 graduate, Rebecca hopes to study Engineering and Science, with a focus on mechatronics and astrophysics. Beyond the classroom, Rebecca joined the MLC Lego Robotics Club and took on a leadership role as part of the executive team for PRISM (People Really Into Science @ MLC), two of the College’s student-led clubs. She valued the experience of organising activities, managing people, and planning experiments. 

One of Rebecca’s highlights of 2025 was entering the Australian Space Design competition with a motivated group of MLC students, supported by their teachers. The competition involved designing a space settlement from the perspective of an engineering company. “It was very different to anything I’ve ever done,” she shared, “but really good seeing how everyone came together and shared their ideas, even though it was quite stressful!”  

Rebecca and her team are thrilled to be competing in the national finals in Brisbane, January 2026.

Elise Nixon  

At just 12 years old, Elise left her cropping farm in New South Wales, 70 kilometres north of Yarrawonga, to begin full-time boarding at MLC – becoming the only one in her class to do so.  

Now, she’s preparing to study a double degree in Agriculture and Business, combining her lifelong love of the land with a newfound passion for business, sparked by hands-on vocational learning.   

Alongside various VCE subjects such as Geography and Photography, Elise completed two VET (vocational) subjects, earning her two nationally recognised Certificate IIIs, including VET Business.  

Elise said the two VET courses were a highlight of her senior years. “I’ve learned so much in the way of life skills and had that hands-on experience, like marketing a business, professional documentation and customer service, which will be handy for what I want to do after school.” 

After finishing her final VCE exams, she returned to the farm to help with the harvest season. She’s aware that agriculture is still a male-dominated industry, but that doesn’t faze her. “The number of women working in agriculture is definitely rising,” she shared.   

Before her tertiary studies, Elise is taking a gap year in Queensland, working on a station as a jillaroo. “I wanted to be a nanny or governess on a station, but I decided that a jillaroo would suit me better.”   

Her time in the MLC Boarding House has helped her build the resilience and independence she’ll carry into her next chapter. She encourages others to embrace the experience. "Just do it,” she advises. “Boarding teaches you a lot of independent skills. Just try everything, get involved with all the activities. The friendships you make are an absolute highlight.”  

Amber Ward 

Amber’s story is one of discipline and determination. A passionate gymnast, she competed on the world stage, placing eighth at the World Cup in Doha, winning Hong Kong’s first-ever gold medal at the Asian Championships in vault and placing third at the Australian Gymnastics Championship.  

Her passion for gymnastics began in kindergarten at MLC. “We used to do gymnastics classes in the Kinder group at MLC, and every year I was offered more and more opportunities. It just happened organically.”  

Winning a state championship at age eight sparked the motivation that would lead her to elite competition 

Training up to 27 hours a week in MLC’s gymnasium, Amber has represented Hong Kong internationally and achieved historic success, beating competitors from gymnastics powerhouses Japan and China despite undergoing ankle surgery and rehabilitation.   

When it came to balancing high-intensity training with a full-time Year 12 study load, Amber admited it wasn't easy. “The first half of the year, I was so busy with gym and competitions, it was hard to manage,” she said, fitting in 3 hours of training before her school day had even started. “But I knew during the second half of the year, more of my time would have to go into school.”   

Despite the demands of elite sport, Amber maintained a strong academic focus, particularly in science. “I really enjoyed science in Year 10, that’s when I knew it was my main interest,” she explained. She also chose to study VCE Physical Education, with its links to anatomy and biology. She hopes to study science at Monash University next year.  

Crystal Li  

Crystal is making waves in the creative arts. In Year 12, she undertook a rare academic combination of three folio subjects – VCE Media, VCE Studio Arts and VCE Art – as she worked towards a career in game design and animation.  

Her dedication has already led to a taste of professional recognition, as her acrylic paintings were shown at the 2025 ‘Emerging Art Beat Exhibition’ in Docklands, which features rising artists. This was a remarkable milestone during her final year of schooling.   

Through electives and advanced subjects, she explored a wide range of mediums, including painting, printmaking, digital art and animation. “One turning point was in Year 8 when we did printmaking, which inspired my final artwork in Year 10.”  

Crystal’s commitment to her craft extends beyond the classroom. Every Saturday morning, she attended an external art studio, where she spent hours painting and sketching. She also took the opportunity to join art tours to Italy and France – specialist experiences offered through MLC’s Global Learning Program. 

This year, Crystal stepped into her first leadership role as House Art Captain, coordinating a team of nearly 40 students to produce large-scale artistic banners.   

Crystal credited her teachers for helping her grow as both an artist and a student. “All my Art teachers have been incredibly kind and inspiring, helping me foster my passion,” she said. “Especially around heavy folio workloads, they have been very supportive and understanding.”   

Looking ahead, Crystal hopes to study Game Design, Fine Arts or Animation, with aspirations of becoming a video game concept artist.  

Grace Gonzales  

Grace joined MLC in Year 10, stepping into unfamiliar territory without knowing a single person. What began as a daunting transition became a defining chapter in her growth, building confidence and friendships that shaped her senior years. 

One of MLC’s VCE Duces, Grace's academic journey was rooted in her love for STEM, choosing Maths Methods, Specialist Maths, Chemistry and Biology as her VCE subjects.  

Completing work experience in a hospital environment was “life-changing” for Grace and planted the seeds for her future plans in medicine. “I’m really passionate about anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, and want to delve into research. My parents are both doctors, but I’d never thought about being one myself, they never pressured me. But work experience changed my outlook, I latched onto that spark. Trying an Economics elective proved to me that I just can’t see myself doing Commerce,” she said.   

Beyond academics, Grace rekindled her love for music, playing first clarinet in the College orchestra and embracing new opportunities through ensembles and specialist tuition. She credited MLC’s supportive teachers for helping her thrive, both in her studies and personal pursuits. 

Looking ahead, Grace plans to pursue medicine, carrying forward the resilience, confidence and curiosity that defined her MLC journey.