When Diana Vlahos discovered she had placed First in Course in Biology from a field of 19,028 HSC candidates, her reaction was unsurprising. Disbelief, then elation.
“When I got the call, I was incredulous,” the Our Lady of the Sacred Heart College (OLSH) Kensington graduate said. “I thought they had notified the wrong person.”
“I am incredibly honoured to have achieved this with the support of an incredible network of family, friends and teachers” – Diana Vlahos
Diana’s classmate Christina Solyom also received a First in Course award in Hungarian Continuers, which she completed through the Secondary College of Languages.
The pair were among 139 students across NSW recognised by Sarah Mitchell, Minister for Education and Early Learning, during an online First in Course ceremony on 19 January 2022.
The awards place the students among NSW’s top achievers from the 76,399 students who sat one or more HSC courses in 2021.
DNA fascination fuels success
As a child Diana was mesmerised by DNA structures. Little did she know that this fascination would one day lead to her topping the state in the HSC.
Diana’s keen interest in Biology was fuelled early in her life by her mother, who teaches the subject.
“As a child, it is mesmerising to learn about how a double helix structure can code for humanity, as well as how it can be manipulated” – Diana Vlahos
“I was always fascinated by the function of the human body, particularly genetics and DNA,” Diana said.
“From the structure and function of the human body to the study of ecosystem dynamics, there is no way of separating the subject from our relationship with the world.”
While Biology helped Diana to gain a stronger insight into the evolving COVID-19 pandemic, she said moments of connection with her peers and teachers helped keep her grounded throughout the uncertain times.
She said quality online learning resources and the occasional Zoom party gave the school social justice captain the impetus to power through to exams.
“The Science department at OLSH provided my class with a strong support network,” Diana added.
“That made the HSC experience feel less daunting and reminded us that working collaboratively significantly aids in success.”
Diana plans to further her interest in ancient history, genetics, bioethics and writing through a Bachelor of Arts/Advanced Studies (Media and Communications) at The University of Sydney.