Celebrating our 2024 Dux & Dux Secondus
Mentone Grammar proudly congratulates James Wu on being our esteemed Dux of 2024. His remarkable achievement of securing an ATAR of 99.90 is a testament to his unwavering commitment and diligent efforts in their studies. James aspires to pursue a Bachelor of Science and Medicine at The University of Melbourne. “In ten years, I hope to be a Doctor, saving lives,” James stated.
We also congratulate our Dux Secondus Ella Michell and Justin Li for achieving an impressive ATAR of 99.85.
Mentone Grammar 2024 Dux, James Wu, exemplifies hard work, dedication, and passion for learning especially during his VCE with subjects including Chemistry, Chinese Second Language Advanced, English Language, General Mathematics, Mathematical Methods, and Specialist Mathematics.
Since joining Mentone Grammar in 2018, he has consistently demonstrated excellence, earning academic awards in 2022, 2023, and 2024, including a Language Perfect Gold Award and high distinctions in both the Australian Mathematics Competition and the National Chemistry Quiz. He also received the Dunk Prize for LOTE in 2023 and a high distinction in the Australian Science Olympiad in Chemistry.
Beyond academics, James has been an active leader and role model as a House Captain, Cadet Under Officer and Cadet Sergeant, as well as AGSV Badminton Sports Captain in his final year. He was also honoured with the Swannie Award from the Debating Association of Victoria, in recognition as the top speaker in his region… just to name a few!
Looking ahead, James aspires to pursue a Bachelor of Science and Medicine at The University of Melbourne, with the goal of becoming a doctor dedicated to saving lives. As James states, “In ten years, I hope to be a Doctor, saving lives.”
2024 co-Dux Secondus and Academic Captain, Ella Michell also exemplies hard work, dedication, and a passion for learning, particularly during her VCE studies, which included subjects like Biology, Chemistry, English, Mathematical Methods, Physical Education, and Psychology.
Ella’s academic journey has been nothing short of impressive. In 2023, she was honoured with two Victorian Premiers Awards for achieving a perfect study score of 50 in Physical Education and Psychology, and in 2024 also received a 50 in Biology. Additionally, she received the Year 11 English Award and the Matthew Gouldthorpe Biology Prize, showcasing her excellence across multiple disciplines.
Since she began her studies at Mentone Grammar in Year 2, Ella has consistently demonstrated her academic prowess by earning her Class Academic Award each year. Her achievements extend beyond academics; she has received various Chinese Awards and the Year 4 Writing Award. From Year 5 onwards, she continued to excel, garnering numerous awards in Music, Language, and other subjects.
In addition to her academic achievements, Ella has been an active leader and role model as the Academic Captain in 2024 and served as a Cadet Sergeant in 2023. She also received the Long Tan Youth Leadership and Teamwork Award in 2022, has been involved in performing arts, and has been a valued member of the Girls Cross Country team, achieving Half Colours in 2023.
Looking to the future, Ella plans to study Biomedicine at Melbourne, with aspirations of pursuing a career in medicine.
Mentone Grammar proudly celebrates Justin Li as the 2024 Dux Secondus, having achieved an outstanding ATAR of 99.85. Justin exemplifies hard work, dedication, and a passion for learning, particularly during his VCE studies, which included subjects such as Biology, Chemistry, Chinese Second Language, English, Mathematical Methods, and Specialist Mathematics.
Since joining Mentone Grammar in 2019, Justin has consistently demonstrated academic excellence, achieving a High Distinction in the Australian Science Olympiad for both Chemistry and Biology in 2023, along with a High Distinction in the Australian Mathematics Competition in 2022 and 2023 and a High Distinction in the International Chemistry Quiz in 2024. He has also received an Academic Excellence Award in 2022, 2023, and 2024.
In addition to his academic successes, Justin has been an inspiring leader and role model as the 2024 Head Prefect. He has showcased exceptional public speaking abilities, earning Half Colours for Public Speaking & Debating in 2023 and Full Colours in 2024. He also received the ADF Future Innovators Award in 2022 and 2024, as well as the Deighton House Spirit Award in 2023. Additionally, Justin served as the AGSV Tennis Sports Captain in 2024.
Looking towards the future, Justin aims to pursue a degree in Commerce, with aspirations of specialising in actuarial science or economics.
James, Ella and Justin, we are incredibly proud of your remarkable achievements and look forward to witnessing all the amazing things you will accomplish as a Mentonians!