Kinross Wolaroi School student Jemima McPhee was on the way to visit the Australian National University when her score of 99.75 came in.

Considering a career in climate and energy policy, Jemima travelled to Canberra to discuss a degree in science and international relations.

“I’m a bit horrified by what’s going on with government policy towards climate and I want to make a difference I suppose,” she said.

Living in Orange Jemima said her family have always had a garden and grown food, which has fed her concern for the environment.

“I’m interested in preserving that way of life,” she said.

James Sheahan Catholic High School had equal top spot scorers this year, with Paris Capell and Lucy Clarke-Randazzo both receiving scores of 94.7.

Pursuing a career in music, Lucy said she needed 70 to be accepted into the Sydney Conservatorium of Music but wanted 90 “for my own personal satisfaction.”

Lucy said she sees herself settling in Orange eventually.

“I just know I want to do music – either teach or in an orchestra will be amazing, I’ll just see where it takes me,” she said.

Waiting for first round offers to come out next week, Paris said she was looking forward to watching Netflix.

She said her plan for the summer was to “enjoy myself and spend time with friends before everyone starts to move away and pursue their own paths”.

Canobolas Rural Technology High School student Victoria Ruming received an ATAR of 87.75 and will consider an engineering degree at the University of NSW in Sydney.

While she didn’t “appreciate the study or the assignments” Victoria said she loved year 12.

“I loved the teachers and the other students and in general it was an unbelievable experience and I’ll never forget it,” she said.

Orange High School student Cosette Craig topped the class with a score of 94.30 and Orange Christian School student Michael Adams excelled with 88.57.

Michael had already accepted an offer to study a diploma at a theological college through distance education by the time his ATAR was announced.

High achieving Orange M.E.T school student Tyrone Layton said he was thinking of a career in graphic design.