Emily posted the highest Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) in the Catholic diocese of Bathurst, achieving 99.2. The former college vice captain was also included in the NSW Premier’s All Rounders Awards, as was classmate Emily Heffernan.

Emily will be surrounded by family when she accepts the medal and a $1000 scholarship from the Catholic Development Fund at the awards ceremony in Orange.

“I only found out yesterday [Monday] that I was getting the award. I had no idea,” Emily said. “It’s a bit exciting.

“The main thing for me was to be consistent throughout the year. I made good use of my free periods and study time, but I also made time for my friends and family.

“I think you need a balance, otherwise you stress out.”

Emily will begin a five-year double degree in law and media at the University of New South Wales later this month. She said the Catholic Development Fund scholarship would help fund her accommodation in Sydney.

Tonight’s ceremony will recognise a number of high-achieving students from MacKillop College, as well as St Johns College (Dubbo), La Salle Academy (Lithgow) and James Sheahan Catholic High School (Orange).

Eighty students from diocesan secondary schools achieved a total of 164 honour listings in last year’s HSC.

MacKillop College principal Maureen Moore said the college community was “very proud” of its HSC graduates, who achieved 57 Band 6s and 168 Band 5s.

Twelve students achieved an ATAR of 90 or above, including Emily Barlow (99.2), Emily Heffernan (98.65), Lauren Borg (98.5), Clare Freeman (98.45), Emily Moon (97.0), Lili Smith (96.4), Kimberley Newbeck (95.75), Caitlin Crowley (95.3), Erin Bartlett (93.1), Jenna Croake (91.5), Gillie Moon (90.7) and Natalie Wood (90.35).