The year 12 St Joseph's Regional College student was in the top one per cent in Australia for her grade level.

With more than 72,000 students entered from 783 schools, the achievement did not go unnoticed by her class teacher.

"Emily is an extremely hardworking student who has a comprehensive understanding of the world that surrounds her," said Mrs Heidi O'Reilly, her geography teacher. 

"Her geographic skills and profound understanding of the subject will certainly be beneficial in her planned Tertiary studies in International Relations. 

"I am very proud of her achievement in the Australian Geography Competition."

Emily said she was "very surprised" to achieve the result she did.

"It was great to know that my studying efforts in Geography had been rewarded," she said.

"My favourite subject has always been geography, and from a young age I have had a great fascination with the world we live in."

She describes herself as a nature lover and enjoys learning about the environment.

"The challenges the environment faces has encouraged me to do all I can to protect the beautiful world we live in," she said.

"I am also passionate about current affairs, politics, and foreign relations, and in 2019 I hope to study a Bachelor of International Relations at university. 

"I would feel very privileged if my tertiary studies could lead to a career in the fields of diplomacy or NGO operations, in which I could represent Australia with pride and commitment."