Recently, the College gathered with the outgoing Chancellor of the University of Sydney, Belinda Hutchison AC, to celebrate the academic achievements of our outstanding students in the 2023 academic year.

I am proud to announce that from our 2023 results we have 20 individuals with a High Distinction average, and 119 with a Distinction average. This means that 55 percent of our students at St John’s College are on a Distinction or High Distinction average. 

The High Distinction Average students with the outgoing Chancellor and Chair of College Council Mr John Coorey,
with Rector, other Members of College Council, guests and staff.  (Students L-R: Will Southon, Nick Davies, Daniel
Maynard, Roberto Pennington, Alia Dobles, Lachlan Harris, Lottie Heywood, Johnny Ross, and Mitchell Spanner)

2023 first-year Commerce student, Lachlan Harris, who is also the Dick & Jenny Laffan Scholar, achieved a weighted average mark (WAM) of 94 for the 2023 academic year. Lachlan also achieved an overall mark of 98 in Economics for Business Decision Making, and a 98 in Quantitative Business Analysis.

Lachlan also topped the state in HSC Chemistry, Physics, and also in Mathematics the year prior which is an unprecedented achievement in recent times. Lachlan was awarded the College’s Meurer Prize for Excellence in First Year Studies.

The 2023 Dick and Jenny Laffan Scholar, Lachlan Harris meeting with Jenny and Dick Laffan after being presented
his prize by the outgoing Chancellor of the University, Belinda Hutchinson AC.

We also congratulate the following students for their WAM: 

• Qinghao Wen with a WAM of 91 and first place in the College for Mechatronic Engineering.
• Alia Dobles with a WAM of 88 and first in the College for Medical Science with a High Distinction mark in Human Anatomy.
• Mitchell Spanner with a WAM of 88 and first place in the College for Physics.
• Hannah Johnston with a WAM of 88 in Medical Science.
• Roberto Pennington with a WAM of 87 and first place in the College for Medicine.
• Amy Cai with a WAM of 87 in Applied Science (Physiotherapy).
• Molly Gallagher with a WAM of 87 in Engineering Honours (Civil) and Commerce.
• Katharina Arms with a WAM of 86 in Mathematics, and an overall mark of 92 in third year Maths subject Geometry and Topology.
• Will Southon with a WAM of 86 in Aeronautical (Space) Engineering. Will also achieved an overall mark of 91 in Multivariable Calculus and 90 in Modelling Space Engineering. 
• Charlie Ward with a WAM of 86 also in Aeronautical (Space) Engineering.
• William Nixon with a WAM of 86 in Biomedical Engineering and Medical Science. Will also achieved an overall mark of 89 in Biomaterials and 87 in Biomedical Design and Technology.  
• Daniel Maynard with a WAM of 86 in Commerce.
• Nicholas Davies with a WAM of 86 in Advanced Computing.
• Grace Lin with a WAM of 86 in Advanced Computing and Science.
• Edmond Ye with a WAM of 86 in Bachelor of Science and Doctor of Medicine.
• Ryan Woolnough with a WAM of 85 and first place in the College for Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, and the Bannerman Prize for the highest mark in Chemistry.
• Lottie Heywood with a WAM of 85 in Medical Science.
• Johnny Ross with a WAM of 85 in Finance.

May I extend my congratulations on behalf of the Council, staff and students of St John's College to all who achieved stellar results in their studies.

I also congratulate those students who achieved outstanding results in individual subjects.

It is a testament to their hard work and dedication that they have performed exceptionally well and have brought great credit to themselves and the University of Sydney showing that this University remains a leading tertiary institution in the nation.

Dr Mark Schembri
Rector

Eliza Howard receiving the Judith Williams Trophy for leadership in academic and community service by a female
resident.

William Shepherd receiving the Higgins Prize for the highest mark in History.

Phoebe Brown receiving the John D'Arcy Prize for the highest mark in English.

Noah Coomas receiving the Herbert Francis Benning Prize for consistent academic progress and who has made
significant contribution to College life.

Students who achieved a High Distinction and Distinction in 2023: