Nathan overcomes adversity for ‘miracle’ score

North Shore Times (Wed) (Australia)
December 22, 2004 Wednesday

KNOX graduate Nathan Kemp has suffered from chronic fatigue for the
past two years but that didn’t stop him from topping the state
in visual arts, achieving Band 6 results in all but one subject,
and scoring a UAI of 97.75. “I can’t believe it, it’s a miracle,”
the excited Turramurra resident told the North Shore Times.

“I am so, so happy.

“I was diagnosed with chronic fatigue in Year 11 and the doctors said
I had to stop school and rest, so I completed my HSC over two years.

“The teachers were really supportive and they helped me a lot.” Nancy
Khederlarian came first in the state for Armenian Continuers, which
she studied at the Saturday School of Community Languages at Chatswood
High School. “I was ecstatic,” the 18-year-old said.

“Armenia as a nation has had a very hard history, so I though it was
important to respect that and give something back by appreciating
the language.”

Nancy’s brothers, Mark, 10, and Michael, 5, were over the moon for
their big sister, giving her a great big hug after she was awarded
her prize.

“I think they were happier than I was,” she said.