Emily, daughter of Parkes residents Jeromie and Renee Thomson, achieved an ATAR of 95.25, receiving three Distinguished Achievement Awards (awarded to band 6 achievers) in English Advanced, Senior Science and PDHPE (Personal Development, Health and Physical Education), and high band 5s in Biology and Mathematics.

Emily is ecstatic with her final results

“I feel that the sacrifice and dedication I have demonstrated over my life so far is starting to pay off and I'm really excited to continue with this same determination throughout my University studies,” she said.

Emily received an offer from the University of New South Wales and is enrolled to begin studying a six-year undergraduate degree; Bachelor of Medical Studies/Doctor of Medicine. 

She will reside on campus in Kensington.

Emily completed her primary education at Parkes Public School and played tennis from the age of four under the guidance of Parkes tennis coach Helen Magill. 

She is a gifted tennis player and up until Year 6, regularly spent time in Sydney playing high level tournaments, and attending coaching and training camps. 

Emily said towards the end of Year 6 she was asked to attend Meriden, an Anglican School for Girls in Strathfield for her high-schooling by head tennis coach Ross Anton. 

“Meriden is known for it’s enviable reputation as Australia's leading school for girls in tennis,” she said.

“The school offers an ‘Olympus Program’ to elite-level sportswomen like myself, to assist with managing both school and sporting commitments.

“With this, I was able to manage playing national and international tennis tournaments, as well as concentrate on my studies, so I am really happy with my results. 

“I believe that finding a balance between my study, sporting and voluntary commitments throughout Year 12 was an integral factor to my HSC success. 

“With a sense of wider community spirit, throughout my senior years I used some of my spare time volunteering at weekly events that reach out to feed and care for the homeless. 

“These experiences were rewarding and eye-opening, building on my passion for helping people in need and being one of the factors contributing to my decision to study medicine.”

Emily co-captained Meriden’s notorious, Tildesley Tennis Team at the prestigious event, The Tildesley Shield in 2018, leading them to their ninth consecutive victory. 

The event is known as the longest running tennis tournament in Australian history, having recently celebrated the 100 year anniversary of the tournament. 

At the Year 12 presentation ceremony, Emily received a Fidelis Award for leadership and a School Colours Award. 

School Colours is a prestigious award given to Year 12 students who have achieved at an outstanding level in a co-curricular activity, where Emily was an exemplary ambassador of the school throughout her time at Meriden and contributed back to the school through tennis over a number of years. 

Emily transitioned from tennis captain, to the role of tennis coach, guiding the next generation of Meriden tennis players. 

She intends to continue playing tennis at University.

The school is also known for its excellence in academics, with Emily’s year group ranking 12th in the state for the HSC in 2018.

“I am extremely grateful to my family for their ongoing support throughout my high-schooling years and for the fantastic opportunities my school has given me, setting me up for the next phase of my life at university,” Emily said.

“I aspire to become a doctor in the future and give back to rural and Indigenous communities.”