Catherine, who boards at Monivae in Hamilton during the week, found out on Monday that she would be the school’s dux.

“I’ve been boarding since 2013, when I was in year eight, coming home on the weekends,” she said.

“I was pretty overwhelmed when I found out because it was never really something I thought I would get.

“I was surprised and really happy. Really stoked.”

Catherine checked her study scores and ATAR online but did not know she was the dux until her year 12 co-ordinator called her.

Catherine did legal studies last year and this year completed history revolutions, drama, literature maths methods, and religion in society.

Catherine’s best subject was religion with a study score of 49.

“I’m looking at things like scholarships and accommodation but I’d really like to do arts and law at either Melbourne University or Monash,” she said.

“Melbourne is really the goal to become a lawyer or journalist or wherever that degree can take me.”

Cathereine’s mum Kerry-Anne said she always thought her daughter would do well but didn’t expect her to get the best ATAR at her school.

“I just wanted her to be happy with her score,” Kerry Anne said.

“She’s been doing a lot of work and this is the reward.”

Catherine’s dad Andrew said he was very proud of her.

Catherine said Kerry-Anne cried when she found out.

They both had to contact Andrew who was driving a header on the family’s grain and pulse farm at the time.

While waiting for university offers to come out, Catherine is working at a weigh station to help save up money for expenses next year.