Curtis Pendlebury with his proud dad Lachlan. Photo: Supplied.
For the past two years, Region has been profiling Year 12 graduates with exciting plans. We ask them to reflect on their time at school, what they’d change about the education system, thoughts on their hometown and future ambitions.
In this article, we cast the spotlight on promising Marian Catholic College student Curtis Pendlebury. The son of singer Mechlene Nehme and teacher/musician Lachlan Pendlebury, he’s excelled at music, sport and in the classroom and is considering many potential career paths after he completes a gap year at Casella Winery in 2025.
Name: Curtis Pendlebury.
Age: 18.
Primary school: Griffith East.
High school: I did my first half in Year 7 at Wade High then made the swap to Marian Catholic College. Year 7 was when they merged Griffith and Wade High.
Best memory of school: The school trips. Being able to get away with my friends was great. Playing for the school AFL team and gala days were also fun.
Naughtiest thing you ever did at school: I remember one time I had a piece of paper that happened to catch on fire. I threw it in the bin and it ended up smoking up the whole classroom. It could’ve got out of hand.
Teachers that inspired you: Mr Webb my chemistry teacher was really good; he was able to break down difficult concepts.
One thing you’d change about the education system: Towards the end of HSC, we got homework tasks that were distracting from your HSC. It gave you added pressure when we should be focusing on what was important.
Role models: My parents Lachlan Pendlebury and mum Mechlene Nehme have helped me throughout school. They’ve always been there for me. Dad’s known for his sense of humour; I usually like his jokes but sometimes they’re a bit dry for me.
Also, Mr Seagrave, my music teacher, whom I’ve had for four years is a great role model. He’s always made sure we did our best.
Curtis is also a great guitar player. Photo: Supplied.
Famous person you most admire and why: I like Pep Guardiola, the football manager. He’s a bit odd but I like how he’s mastered his craft.
Plans for next year: I’ll work in Casella Winery doing the lab for vintage. I’ll do that for a gap year then head to university the following year. I’ll be checking the pH levels and quality of grapes. Only three or four from our school got the job out of about 20 or so who applied. I consider myself pretty lucky.
After your gap year: I’d like to move, probably Sydney or Melbourne, to do university. I want to get out and see a big city and study probably chemistry or law.
What will you miss most about Griffith: The community is pretty good; everyone knows everyone, and people are generally friendly.
What won’t you miss about Griffith: It can get a bit boring at times, but I think I’ll miss it more than I’ll realise.
Will you come back here after your tertiary studies: I’ll see how it goes. I need to see what else there is, but Griffith is a great place to raise a family.
Social issue you most care about: I’m concerned about the environment and climate change. It’s going to affect my generation and my kids; that’s a pressing issue.
Thoughts on politics these days: I look at Kamala and Trump and I think it’s like choosing between the moldy sides of the same sandwich. I feel it’s the same here with the two-party system.
Special skills: I play guitar and bass and a bit of trumpet. I quite enjoy performing; I’ve done a few gigs around town and I’d love to have a band with a few of my mates. I also play soccer as a right wing for Griffith City Football Club.
Dream career job: Perhaps a job in audio engineering or music producing. I plan to cast a wide net.
If you know a Year 12 graduate doing something interesting next year, email [email protected]
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