How wonderful it is to reconnect with some of our Class of 2025 and see the diverse and exciting paths they are now pursuing.

Students were asked to share what they were up to, where they were living, what uni was like, have or are they travelling, did they land a scholarship and more.

From apprenticeships and GAP years to university degrees, scholarships, TAFE qualifications, travel adventures and stepping confidently into the world of work, their journeys reflect the breadth of opportunities available to our young people today. As we celebrate where they’ve landed (and where they’re headed!) we’re reminded of how valuable our ongoing connection with alumni is in inspiring and supporting our current students.

We just love hearing from them!

Ellie McNamara: I am currently attending Monash University studying a double degree in design and business. I live on res at the Clayton campus but study at the Caulfield campus. I am loving the work and where I live so far, and I have been having a lot of fun, although the workload combined with living independently is very full on and I have been extremely busy! I have met so many new people and made a lot of really good friends already as well. I also got a job at a cafe on campus as well.

My future direction hasn't changed, and I am still aiming to become a creative director eventually.

I received a few scholarships, including the Monash Relocation Grant and the Monash Art, Design and Architecture Scholarship.

Georgie Edwards: Since I finished at CCW, I've been working three jobs! I work at a coffee van, as a swim instructor at WSAC and the LS precast facility crushing cylinders. I also walk dogs as a side hustle!

Travel wise, I’m going to New Zealand for four weeks and the Cook Islands for a week.

The most exciting thing though; I got into Deakin University Burwood to study secondary education!!

Natalie Vincent: I’m currently on my gap year working near London as an au pair (like a live in nanny) which has been a great experience so far. I take care of 2 little girls and on weekends I have been travelling around the UK and Europe which has been awesome. I would definitely recommend this pathway to current Year Twelves and future CCW graduates as it’s a great way to make money while travelling and making connections around the world!

I plan to come home at the end of the year to start uni in 2027, but for now am just enjoying the time away from study to explore more of the world.

Sam Tiffin: I am currently living in the small town of Talbingo in the Snowy Mountains area of NSW, conducting my electrical apprenticeship with Snowy Hydro. So far, I have completed over 10 weeks of training off site of which 8 weeks was spent in Wollongong doing an introductory course to heavy industry. I have now started my block release TAFE in Wagga Wagga and have settled into work at my region of the scheme. My job involves the maintenance and upkeep of power stations and hydro technology that is essential to keeping the lights on across eastern Australia.

Ella Parmesan: I have recently moved to Hawthorn to study at the Collingwood Football Club through the SEDA Group, completing a dual diploma of sport and business in one year. Through this I am able to complete placement opportunities within the Collingwood Football Club including opportunities in the social media side, AFL recruitment, events at game days, being the mascot for a game and lots more fun opportunities.

Through this program, I will I travel to New York and San Francisco for one week each. I have the opportunity to travel to sports like the NBA, NFL, NHL and colleges such as Stanford University, University of California, Berkeley and a few more, through this I am also able to attend college sporting events

I received an offer to study the Bachelor of Nursing at ACU. I plan on completing this course for a year and hopefully transferring into paramedicine the following year. Once the paramedicine course is completed, I hope to add another year to also receive my nursing degree.

Keziah Jenkins: I’m currently living on campus at Monash in Clayton. I’m in the Urban community, which basically means I’m in a self-contained studio apartment as opposed to shared facilities. I’m studying a Bachelor of Science. My units are biology, chemistry, statistics (mandatory… sorry Mr Dunbar but if it was my choice I’d not be doing maths of my own free will!), and my oddball of an elective is philosophy, which I’m enjoying the most. I haven’t had any major change of plans YET but I am already questioning if I actually want to be doing science. Consider it a premature quarter life crisis!

Mia Ham: I have moved to Albury living on campus at Charles Sturt university studying my Bachelor of Physiotherapy. This was a very last minute decision as I originally planned to take a gap year and travel to Europe.

Although it has been a massive change navigating the independence of moving out of home, getting back into studying, and meeting so many new people these past few has been awesome and it’s definitely been the right decision.

Besides Uni, I spent my holidays travelling and spending time with my friends and family. After graduating I spent just over 2 weeks in Fiji. I couldn’t recommend going away after school enough because it allows such a good rest and reset after the hard work and stress of Year Twelve!

Takara Bongiorno: I am currently studying a Bachelor of Criminology and Policing at Monash’s Clayton campus, whilst also living here at the residential village. I am hoping to undertake the Global Immersion Guarantee program Monash also offers at the end of 2026/beginning of 2027, to further my studies and learn more about environmental protection and sustainability, as well as experience another culture.

I still come home quite often, working at St Catherines Hostel and Rangeview private nursing home, making the most out of my Cert III in Individual and Disability Support care as I thoroughly enjoy and am passionate about the work. Last week I was also pleased to be informed by Monash I had been offered one of their ‘hardship’ scholarships which I am very grateful for.

Ava Raknes: I’m currently in Geelong as I moved here for university at the Deakin Waterfront campus. I’m studying a double degree of Law and Arts, majoring in history. Hopefully I can decide what I want to do over the next 5 years of the degree as not too sure at the moment! I received the Deakin 50th Anniversary Scholarship for Excellence as well which was pretty exciting!

Maggie Chant: I'm currently I am working as a ringer at Narwietooma Station in the West Mac ranges about 160km from Alice Springs!
It has been a bit of a slow start to season due to insane amounts of rain we have received, you wouldn’t even know that you are in the desert. Due to slow start and all this rain mustering has been pushed well back and our time is filled with fixing flood gates.

I am really enjoying working for this company Hewitt Cattle, they are the world’s biggest organic farmers and it’s so interesting learning how they mass produce tens of thousands of cattle all organically over millions of acres of what usually is very tough climate.

Currently the plan is to still study global studies next year, despite my new found love for the outback, however there is always hope that I can work with Hewitt in the future as the work closely with the US when selling organic products. But who knows what will happen!!

Abdul Rizwan: I am attending Monash University studying a Bachelor of Biomedicine. I’m thinking of switching into Nursing or Physiotherapy. I live on campus, and my future plans is just to try into get into the Doctor of Medicine program, but those plans can change in an instant!

Milly Evans: Since finishing Year Twelve, I was accepted to study Occupational Therapy at Charles Sturt University in Albury. I'm still living at home and have kept my casual jobs in town to continue to save my money with hopes to travel in my uni breaks!

Ronja Reynolds: I started the year in Queensland, where I was breaking in horses and working cattle. I went from riding horses to riding donkeys, chasing cattle and surprise possums. However, after about two months I decided it wasn’t for me and that I wanted to explore the world. So I am currently in the process of completing a camp America application, which will take me to the US for three months. At this point in time I am back home, saving money to fund my America trip.

Heidi Graham: I am currently taking a Gap Year before commencing a four year degree of Occupational Therapy at Charles Sturt University of Albury / Wodonga. In my Gap Year I am working full-time as an ES Staff member at Myrtleford P-12 College. Taking a gap year has been good for me to confirm what it is I wanted to study. Originally, I was thinking of studying Primary Education but working in a classroom confirmed how much more I prefer working one on one with kids and finding new ways to support and improve their growth. I have found taking a Gap Year has been a great way to ease myself into adopting key life skills without the immediate pressures of study.

Once I complete my degree in OT, I hope to work in a paediatric setting and a little further down the track start my own family. I love what I do even on the hard days. It is incredibly rewarding. For future year twelves, my advice is to try lots of different things before you decide and don’t be afraid to change directions. Do something that you love and enjoy.

Becky Holland: I’m currently working at the Treasure Hunter in Benalla, but I’ve now become one of three managers there. I’ll be working here during my gap year and then I’ll be doing a photography course at Collarts in Fitzroy. Other than work, I’m enjoying a break from learning and catching up with friends.

Following and celebrating the achievements of our past students not only reminds us of their time here but also brings a genuine sense of pride to our current staff. Every story - every apprenticeship begun, degree earned, business launched, gap year taken, or adventure explored, adds to the rich tapestry of our school.

We warmly encourage our past students to stay connected with us through our Facebook page. Upon graduation, every student automatically becomes a lifetime member of the Cathedral College Wangaratta Old Collegians’ Association (CCWOCCA), ensuring they remain part of our community.

CCWOCA's Facebook Page

If you are a past student who would like to return as a mentor, share your journey, speak about your pathway, or present at our Careers and Pathways Expo, we would love to hear from you! Please contact Kellie Cairncross at kcairncross@cathedralcollege.vic.edu.au