Community & Business
21 March, 2025
College dux a doctor to be
MOSSMAN local Tully Smith was named St Stephens’ College Dux of 2024 earning the first-year medicine student a trophy and bursary from her school.
Tully, who achieved an impressive ATAR of 98.4, received the accolade during a recent student leader induction night, where she was also awarded the Anthony Family trophy and bursary from David Anthony of David Anthony Solicitors.
Her ATAR score put her in only 25% of Queensland students who scored 90 or above. Just 36 students achieving the highest possible score of 99.95.
“Being awarded college dux is a huge honour, and something I’m really grateful for. It has been an aspiration of mine for a few years,” Tully said.
“It inspires me to keep learning and to approach future challenges with the same dedication and curiosity, and it motivates me to strive for excellence.
“It is a personal achievement I am very proud of.”
The trophy is awarded to the school’s student with the “most outstanding” academic achievement each year, along with a $500 bursary.
Tully began her first year of university this year and is studying a dual degree of Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery at James Cook University in Smithfield.
“I am interested in cardiothoracic surgery and rural generalism. I plan on pursuing these specialties after my schooling,” she said.
“I intend to work in rural and remote communities in Far North Queensland.”
In her final year of high school last year, Tully received the Principal’s Medal for Academic Achievement and subject awards for chemistry and physics, along with an Academic Excellence award.
Tully’s advice for other students pursuing academic achievements is simply, “don’t give up”.
“I know it’s cliche, but don’t give up. You want to give it your best shot, so at the end you aren’t wondering ‘what if’,” she said.
“Look after yourself as well. You can’t give things your best effort or do your best work if you aren’t taking care of your mental and physical health.”
