A CAREER in criminal law beckons for Morisset High School captain and dux Dana Patterson, and she has television dramas to thank for boosting her interest in the field.
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"I was always the little kid watching NCIS," she told the Lakes Mail on Friday, conceding that she was often too young to be watching the program.
"I've just always been interested in the law, and criminal law procedure, and that's why I'm planning to take on a law degree."
Dana and school co-captain Ben Steel were among the big winner to emerge from the school's year 12 graduation on Friday.
Dana was first in four subjects - Aboriginal studies, ancient history, society and culture, and history extension.
She was named dux of the school, and accepted awards for excellence in history, and leadership for her work with the school's indigenous cohort.
"I'm one of the first Aboriginal captains we've had at the school, and that's been a great honour," she said.
Ben received the Caltex All-Rounder Medal; he was the 17 years swimming champion, and earned a distinction in Earth and Environmental Science.
He plans to study business or education after the Higher School Certificate.
Asked to reflect on their six years of high school, the pair agreed their sense of time had been warped.
"In one sense, it has just flown by," Ben said. "But in another way it seems like a whole career."
Dana agreed: "On Wednesday, it felt like a century but yesterday I was looking back and wondering where did all the time go?"
Dana said the year 12 graduation brought into focus the transformation that students had made.
"Like everyone, I started out here just a little, scared, naive child," she said.
Her time at Morisset High had seen her "develop morals, standards and a love for people".
"School is about so much more than just an education," she said.
Ben said his memories of high school weren't forged on major events or achievements.
"It's just been the day-to-day life that I'll remember," he said.
"I've enjoyed coming to school every day. School is something that I'm passionate about."
The students' attention turns to the HSC which starts on October 12. "I'll miss this place so much," Dana said.
■ See a picture gallery of the year 12 graduation online at lakesmail.com.au
