22 December 2025
An aspiring engineer and a future electrotechnology electrician, both public school graduates, have been awarded WA’s highest education honour.
2025 Beazley Medallists Cohen Beveridge and Holly Hunter.
Cohen Beveridge from Willetton Senior High School received the 2025 Beazley Medal: Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE), while Holly Hunter from Rossmoyne Senior High School took home the Beazley Medal: Vocational Education and Training (VET).
The Beazley Medal is the highest honour a senior secondary student can receive. Both government and non-government school students are eligible to receive the medal.
The medal is named after Kim Edward Beazley AO, who was a teacher and Federal Minister for Education.
WACE medal recipient Cohen enjoyed studying physics and maths in school and is looking forward to pursuing an engineering degree at the University of Western Australia. He is considering specialising in electrical engineering.
“I just really enjoyed physics and maths this year at school, especially. They were probably two of my favourite subjects,” Cohen said.
“And I thought engineering was going to be where I can kind of combine that and kind of learn how to design things and make some real-world applications of stuff.”
Cohen also received a General Exhibition award, Subject Certificates of Excellence in Chemistry, Mathematics Methods and Physics, and a Certificate of Distinction.
Cohen and his family.
He was the joint 2025 Dux of Willetton Senior High School and received consistent A grades across Years 11 and 12.
Cohen said balancing consistent study with time off doing the things he enjoys helped him reach his goals.
“I was just really excited when I heard the news,” he said.
“My parents were a lot happier than me, I think my mum was crying a bit.
“It was a pretty hard year in terms of studying, but I also really enjoyed Year 12 and I had a lot of fun.
“I think that's really important for doing well, you've got to be enjoying it as well.”
Holly, who was awarded the VET medal, completed a Certificate II in Electrotechnology (Career Start) while at school, clocking up 228 work placement hours.
Throughout her schooling, Holly showed clear ambition and focus, actively working towards her career goals through targeted study and qualification pathways.
Holly and her family.
Next year, Holly will start an apprenticeship, studying a Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician. She plans to enter the lift and elevator industry.
Holly was in Queensland with her family when she found out. She said it was surreal and unexpected.
“I'm so grateful to be surrounded by my family when I got the call and we could all celebrate together,” she said.
“My dad actually works in the lift industry, so it kind of inspired me.
“Being able to go to work placement at the same company that he works at, being able to work with him and so many other amazing electricians has really cemented the fact that this is the career that I want to pursue.
“It's a very specific industry and to be able to work in that industry during my workplace was just so rewarding.
“I think that it really gave me an edge, especially against other applicants when applying for apprenticeships and jobs. I just think that being able to work in my intended industry as a part of the VET program is just so, so rewarding.”
Holly also received a VET Certificate of Excellence in Construction Industries.
The medals were presented at a ceremony at the Constitutional Centre of Western Australia.