Anika Kelly named The Gordon’s VCE Dux for 2025

2025-12-12

The Gordon is proud to announce Anika Kelly as our 2025 VCE Dux, achieving an exceptional ATAR of 91.4.

Anika joined The Gordon’s VCE program this year and quickly stood out for her commitment, focus, and determination to excel. Although naturally quiet, she made a strong impression from day one—consistently producing work of an outstanding standard, seeking feedback to refine her skills, and demonstrating a remarkable drive for improvement. Her assessment results across all subjects have reflected this dedication, with high scores throughout the year.

Beyond her academic strengths, Anika made a meaningful and lasting contribution to the learning environment. Her creativity and community spirit led to the creation of a ‘Book Nook’ in the Year 12 classroom which is a student-led space encouraging reading, connection  and calm. Her hand-painted artwork marking the area has become a cherished feature of the room, inspiring others to share and explore new stories.

The Gordon is proud to announce Anika Kelly as our 2025 VCE Dux

The Gordon has given me the confidence to organise my workload, voice my ideas and grow as a person. I’m walking away not only with results that will open university pathways, but also with genuine friends and a stronger sense of who I am.


Peers and teachers alike describe Anika as supportive, inclusive and quietly influential. Throughout the year, she offered her time to classmates, including providing feedback, being an encouraging audience for practice oral presentations and helping to create a positive and collaborative study space.

Anika’s journey to completing VCE is particularly inspiring. After deferring her studies due to health challenges, she returned with determination to finish Year 12 and open the door to future academic opportunities. She credits The Gordon’s welcoming environment, flexible routines and supportive staff for helping her thrive both personally and academically.

“I’ve always had a passion for learning,” Anika said.

“The Gordon has given me the confidence to organise my workload, voice my ideas and grow as a person. I’m walking away not only with results that will open university pathways, but also with genuine friends and a stronger sense of who I am.”

Gavin Wake, The Gordon’s VCE School Principal, said Anika’s achievement reflects both her character and her commitment to excellence.

“Anika embodies everything we value at The Gordon - determination, curiosity, creativity and kindness. She has not only excelled academically but has enriched our school community through her leadership and compassion. We are incredibly proud of her and look forward to seeing all she will achieve in the future.”

In 2026, Anika plans to begin a Bachelor of Arts (Psychology) at The University of Melbourne, driven by a desire to support others, particularly children and young people who may be navigating challenges similar to her own. 

She also dreams of writing a novel, travelling, and finding ways to make a positive impact in the world.

The Gordon congratulates Anika on her extraordinary achievement and thanks her for the creativity, kindness and leadership she brought to the VCE cohort. We wish her every success as she begins the next exciting chapter of her study journey.