Reanna Floriana has had a dramatic turnaround in her studies. Photo: Oliver Jacques.
Hanwood’s Reanna Floriana is graduating Year 12 in style this year, finishing first in her class in maths, art and religion.
Her success seemed improbable a few years ago, when she was struggling to even stay in school.
“I didn’t think I was going to graduate at all because I was failing a lot of subjects, big time,” she said.
“I wasn’t completing or handing in assignments. But with the help of my teacher Mr Brooker at Verity Christian College, I turned things around. He made maths fun. It was more like a game rather than a subject.”
On the autism spectrum, Reanna feels a lot more confident about life and will do a gap year in Griffith in 2026 before deciding on a career or further study.
Region caught up with her for our ongoing series profiling Year 12 graduates who have excelled at school. We reflect on her memories, what she’d change about the education system and her plans.
Name: Reanna Floriani.
Age: 18.
Schools: Hanwood Public School, Griffith High (Years 7 to 9) and Verity Christian College (9 to 12).
Best memory of school life: Winning the Soroptimist award for my passion for the environment and my caring attitude towards other women.
Most disappointing moment at school: Finding out that the Healthy Harold Golden Toilet wasn’t real and was just a picture.
Naughtiest thing you ever did at school: Where do we start? When I was in Kindergarten I took off my dress and ran around the school in my underwear.
Reanna has won awards for her photography. Photo: Supplied.
Teachers that inspired you: Mr Craig Brooker, the maths teacher at Verity. He made maths my favourite subject. He doesn’t let you leave the room until you understand something.
My English teacher Mrs Linda Fox is also passionate and so knowledgeable about writing. Mr Stephen Barker my biology teacher doesn’t judge you. He’s seen and done everything and is so mature about certain topics.
One thing you’d change about the education system: More emphasis on children’s mental health as a lot of kids are struggling. There’s also a need for more acceptance for autistic children and those with disabilities and children who learn in different ways.
Famous person you most admire and why: David Attenborough – his documentaries are amazing and his voice is iconic.
Plans for next year: Gap year in Griffith. I’ll look for a job somewhere, hopefully working with animals or photography.
Where would you move to if you left Griffith: Deniliquin, where there’s wonderful bird life.
Social issue you most care about: The environment, due to my love for birdwatching, nature and animals.
Special skills: Photography. I played guitar when I was younger. I can also make Minecraft Mods.
Dream career: Ornithologist, a bird expert. Or a taxidermist. It would pay well because not many people want to do it. I also like writing and may choose journalism.
If you know a Riverina Year 12 student worthy of recognition, drop us a line at [email protected]
