• High school DUX and second in state in English student stays in hometown of Wagga Wagga to complete teaching degree

The sky is the limit for a high-achieving Wagga Wagga high school student who has chosen to remain close to home to complete her higher education studies.

Miss Ava Mallise grew up in Wagga Wagga and completed her education at Kildare Catholic College. She was named DUX of her high school in 2022 and came second in the state in English in the Higher School Certificate.

Ava said she shocked a few people when they learned she decided to stay local and study a Bachelor of Education (K-12) at Charles Sturt in Wagga Wagga.

“Those who have heard of my decision to stay local … have been somewhat shocked or taken aback, which really shows that there is a large expectation for not only myself but other students who graduate in our community to move to the city to pursue tertiary education,” she said.

“Charles Sturt was an obvious choice for me, not many students can study at a world-class facility right in their hometown.

“Being a Wagga Wagga local, I have seen glimpses of both the sense of community and success of Charles Sturt, which are two key factors that drew me in to further my education right here.”

Ava tried not to set goals or expectations for her HSC results but said she was shocked when her marks came through.

She sees a career in teaching as rewarding and the best way to extend on her existing passion for learning. She attributes her success in the HSC to the dedication shown by her teachers.

“Studying a Bachelor of Education (K-12) will allow me to help others learn but also allow myself to continue learning every single day. I see teaching as a way to make a difference in the lives of the next generation,” she said.

“I am eternally grateful for my teachers, who were definitely an inspiration for me to help other students also achieve well above what they thought was possible.”

Ava hopes to obtain a teaching job and remain in Wagga Wagga or the wider Riverina after graduation.

“I believe the community in Wagga Wagga deserves the same quality of educators as in the cities, and I hope that with the help of Charles Sturt University, I can be an influential educator right here in my local community,” she said.

Ava said she is a mixture of excitement and nerves as she embarks on her first week of classes this week.