Ballina Coast High’s Creative talents shine in HSC results
Ballina Coast High School is celebrating a standout year in the HSC, with several students recording some of the state’s strongest creative arts results.
The school recorded four Distinguished Achievers this year, with students scoring above 90 per cent in at least one subject.
Those results included top performances in Music 1, Visual Arts and Drama, highlighting Ballina Coast High’s growing strength in the arts.
Drama student Maverick Ransom achieved a mark of 92 for music for his piano playing, singing and compositions. He also scored 91 for drama.
He said results day was a nervous wait.
Above: Maverick Ransom at the piano
Main Photo, back in the BCHS uniform for one final time, L to R: Rocco Pather, Maverick Ransom and Ziyah Keil
“I was up until about three in the morning, but I was pretty happy with the result in the end.”
Maverick said his drama mark reflected months of preparation.
“There was a monologue, a group performance and an essay,” he said.
“It was a lot, but it paid off.”
Now finished with school, he hopes to continue pursuing acting, with applications lodged into leading drama courses.
“I’ve already started auditioning,” he said.
“It’s exciting and a bit scary at the same time.”
Music student Ziyah Keil said he was stunned when he checked his result early yesterday morning.
“I honestly thought my phone was glitching,” he said.
“I checked again and just couldn’t believe it.”
Ziyah scored 91 in Music 1, balancing live performance with a written exam.
“I’m a drummer, so performance is my thing,” he said.
“But the theory side is just as important.”
He said music would remain part of his life, whatever path he chooses next.
“Music will always be there,” he said.
“I’d love to keep playing while I study.”
Visual Arts student Rocco Pather said his strong result felt rewarding after a demanding year.
“Scaling was pretty tough this year,” he said.
“So I was happy overall.”
Rocco said art had always been part of his life.
“I grew up around it,” he said.
“My mum works with paint, and I was always in galleries.”
He is now considering further study in design or teaching.
“I’d love to maybe come back and teach here one day,” he said.
“The community and staff are great.”
School staff said the results reflected both student commitment and the strength of Ballina Coast High’s creative programs.
For the students, it was also a moment to pause and enjoy the achievement.
“It feels good to finish this chapter,” Rocco said.
“Now it’s on to whatever comes next.”
Rocco Pather with his major HSC artworks
