Ace-Ver Ermitanio has gone from student to fronting classes very quickly. Photo: Oliver Jacques.
A Year 12 graduate who arrived in Australia just three years ago with limited English has received three offers to study teaching at university.
Ace-Ver Ermitanio was born and raised in the Philippines. His father landed a job spray-painting in Griffith in 2019 and saved up enough to bring Ace, his mum and sister here a few years later.
After enrolling at Verity Christian College, Ace struggled to understand his classmates at first.
“They all spoke so quickly and used so much slang,” he said.
“I would just smile and say ‘yes’ to every question. I stayed silent for a while but I figured speaking was the only way I could learn.”
Now fluent in English, he became school captain and excelled academically. After graduating, he’s already working as a teacher’s aide at his school and considering various university offers.
“When I saw a kid crying on the playground, I was always there to fix things up. I was told because I was good at helping kids out that I should consider becoming a teacher.
“From that day, I interviewed all my teachers and found out what it was like as a career.”
He’s already a hit with his students.
“They call me ‘Mr E’ because they can’t say my last name,” he said.
Region caught up with him to find out more about his schooling life and plans.
Name: Ace-Ver Ermitanio
Age: 17
School: Verity Christian College
Best memory of school: Being part of the first Year 12 cohort to graduate at Verity Christian College. I’m very proud to look at how this school has grown so fast.
Ace with his principal Margo Stone.
Teachers that inspired you: Mr Fox. He told us about his past and it’s impressive to know how far he’s come despite many challenges in his life. I’ve also seen him try and retire many times in his life, but he came back to launch this school. His wife Mrs Fox is also very resilient; they’re both fairly old but put everything into their work.
One thing you’d change about the education system: I’d try and expand Christian schools to allow more children to learn about the Bible.
Favourite subject: Religion. I like it because we also learned about Buddhism and Islam and how people can live in peace despite their differences.
Sports: I played basketball in the Philippines, but when I saw that some Year 8s are bigger than me in Griffith, I decided I wouldn’t play it here. So I chose to play rugby instead; I play on the wing.
Famous person you most admire and why: Brian To’o, the Penrith Panthers winger. I try to copy his style and his haircut. I like him; he’s humble and shows his faith without directing telling people about it. He’s had a real tough childhood; his sister died when he was young, but I’m inspired by how he made the big time. He’s also little in stature but so strong.
Plans for 2026: I’ve received an offer to study teaching at Charles Sturt University in Wagga. I’ve also received offers to study in Sydney and Wollongong, but I think I’ll go to Wagga because it’s close to family.
What will you miss most about Griffith: Wagga is pretty similar to Griffith from what I’ve seen. I’ll miss my family and friends a lot; I think I’ll drive back every weekend.
What are you looking forward to about Wagga: Meeting new people and expanding my social circle.
Dream career job: A teacher. I’ll probably come back to Griffith to teach here then try to get a job in a big city.
