At Bentley Park College we are very proud of our many successful alumni, or former students, who encompass all our Pillars of Excellence - Academia, Citizenship, The Arts, Technology and Sport.
If you are a former student and would like to share your story with our community, please email us!
Dr Samantha Graham M.D. B.MLSc. - 2011
Samantha always had a passion for science and gained a Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science after completing her secondary studies at Bentley Park College in 2011. While studying she worked in microbiological and molecular research at QIMR Berghofer, performing cellular knock downs and gene sequencing. After graduation Samantha worked as a multi-disciplinary medical laboratory scientist in microbiology, haematology, biochemistry, histopathology and transfusion science. She loved working as a scientist and the intricate tasks with high levels of detail, developing an interest in human biology and medicine leading to her beginning a Doctor of Medicine at the University of Sydney in 2017, which she completed at the end of 2020.
Samantha says medical school has definitely been the highlight of her life thus far. She's worked in some of the most remote clinics and Aboriginal medical services in Australia and had the privilege of flying with the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS). Samantha completed various medical and surgical competitions and was involved in mass trauma simulations.
'Finishing med school during a global pandemic was interesting to say the least. I'm exciting about working as a doctor from 2021, although I think it will take quite a while to be comfortable with that title. It's been a long road, but one filled with Excitement and fulfilment at every turn' Samantha said.
Samantha's current goal is to become an emergency physician and work for RFDS or Careflight domestically and would also like to work for Médecins Sans Frontières ( Doctors without borders) in the future. 'I can't begin to explain how excited I am to be working in the career of my dreams, and doing something that I am passionate about everyday. I wish the current students of Bentley Park College a happy and bright future, and encourage you all to pursue your passions. Dream big.'
Josh Wilson – 2013
Straight after graduating Year 12, Josh Wilson started his apprenticeship as a boilermaker. During that time, he was also playing semi-professional soccer for FNQ Heat (formerly known as Cairns FC). By mid-2018, Josh had completed his apprenticeship and decided he wanted to chase his football/soccer dreams and packed up and moved to the USA.
Josh, a goalkeeper, has excelled in his chosen sport in the USA while studying Business Management. After completing Junior College at Iowa Lakes Community College, helping take his College to the regional grand final, Josh is now completing his four-year degree at the University of Rio Grande. He is of course continuing to play soccer for the University.
At Iowa Lakes, Josh has received four Conference 'Goalkeeper of the Week' awards and one National 'Goalkeeper of the Week' award. In his second, or sophomore, year he was selected in the National Junior College 'All American' soccer team.
'Since graduating from Bentley Park College I have completed an apprenticeship, been paid to play the sport I love, travelled somewhere I have never been before, am playing soccer at a higher level than I ever imagined and am well on my way to earning my Business Management degree' Josh said.
Mike Elliott - 2006
Artistic Director of The Young Company Theatre for Children and Young People (TYC) in Cairns, Mike Elliott has turned his love of Drama into a career. Vice-captain of Bentley Park College in 2006, Mike loved performing in Rock Eisteddfods, Theatre Sports competitions and school productions such as the annual Big Night Out. After graduating, Mike performed in local productions of 'Macbeth' and 'Falling Petals' at JUTE and began working as a Drama teacher at TYC.
Taking over as the Artistic Director in 2011, Mike runs weekly classes and school holiday programs, as well as directing major company 'Main Stage' productions and facilitating interschool improvisation competitions and the Fringe and Platform youth theatre festivals. Mike has also performed in and directed a locally written play, 'Wishfly' by Dr Jane Modric, at high schools for Year 7 students transiting into high school. In 2019, Mike co-directed TYC's sold-out production of 'Seussical the Musical Jr' at Cairns Performing Arts Centre – a career highlight.
Josephine Kappel – 2011
The 2011 College Dux and Technology Award recipient, Josephine Kappel, gained her Cert IV in Interactive Digital Media in Year 12. She was then able to enter the IT industry straight after school, with Status Signs employing her as a Junior Graphic Designer. Josephine is still with the company ten years later and has worked her way up to Senior Graphic Designer.
Dr Katelyn McCracken - 2012
A 'Bentley Original' - a student who attended Bentley Park College from Preschool/Prep to Year 12 - dentist Katelyn McCracken graduated in 2012 with the supreme result of an OP1. From an early age, Katelyn knew she wanted to work in the Health sector and completed a five-year Bachelor of Dental Surgery at JCU Cairns in 2017. Katelyn has volunteered abroad at a remote village in Nepal, providing dental services in a makeshift clinic, and attended an international observational placement at a dental hospital in Koshiung, Taiwan.
One of Katelyn's final year dental placements was in Tasmania, where Katelyn has lived and worked as a Dentist since January 2018. 'Whilst dentistry can sometimes be a little stressful, I am really enjoying my time and find it a very challenging but rewarding profession' Katelyn said. 'I have hobbies outside of dentistry and still play my clarinet and saxophone in a concert band, which I have been doing ever since I was in Primary school at Bentley Park College'.
Nathan Wales - 2009
Talented Rugby League player and coach Nathan Wales studied Sport and Exercise Science at JCU Cairns and followed up his degree with a Graduate Diploma in Education after graduation from Bentley Park College in 2009. In 2014 Nathan returned to the College as a Secondary HPE teacher, also spending time travelling overseas and playing Rugby League for White Plains in New York. A former Northern Pride player, Nathan was the Rugby League Academy Coordinator at the College from 2018 to 2019. 'While working as a teacher I got to live the dream of working with footy and good people every day,' Nathan said.
Nathan's ambitious nature led him to pursue a new career in the Police force in 2020, although he hasn't strayed far from the nest and is now stationed at the local Edmonton Police Station.
Teagan Pitman - 2011
An avid writer throughout high school, 2011 graduate Teagan Pitman's news stories regularly featured in The Cairns Post's 'Post-ed' student newspaper. She went on to complete a Bachelor of Professional Communication and post-graduate degree in Marketing, completing all her studies externally through CQU. Teagan has worked as a Sales and Marketing Assistant for the Quicksilver Group in Cairns and currently works at Jenkins Rubber in sales and marketing. She is also mum to toddler Tobias.
Kalika Struber - 2013
Kalika Struber is a third generation teacher after her mother, two aunts, grandmother and grandfather. Graduating from Bentley Park College in 2013, Kalika attended from Preschool to Year 12 making her a 'Bentley Original'. She completed a Bachelor Degree in Secondary Teaching at JCU Cairns and gained a full time teaching position back at the College in 2018 after completing her fourth year practical placement there. Kalika was Sports Captain and Netball Captain in Year 12 and was part of the Netball Development Academy. She is delighted to now teach English and Humanities at her old school.
Rachelle Petersen - 2015
When she graduated high school in 2015, like many others Rachelle Petersen 'didn't know what she wanted to be when she grew up'. After working in retail for a few years, she decided to volunteer at a childcare centre using skills she had gained while studying Early Childhood as a subject at school.
Rachelle quickly progressed, gaining her Certificate III in Early Childhood qualification, and is now in charge of a before-and-after-school-care program. Although going to university hadn't originally figured in Rachelle's plans, she is now enrolled in a Bachelor of Education course. 'Who would have thought that someone like me with no clue in the world what to do after school, would end up where I am now. I am ecstatic with my place!' Rachelle said.
Brianna Durante - 2018
Brianna Durante has been an active a part of The Arts community for many years both during her school years and since graduating. Her achievements in The Arts led to her being awarded both Senior Secondary The Arts Student of the Year and Senior Secondary Instrumental Music Student of the Year in 2018.
As Band Captain, Brianna was an active performer in the school music program on both flute and saxophone. She is also a talented vocalist who has an infectious love of making music and performing. Not only did Brianna represent the College broadly, including in the College Concert and Stage Bands, she performed extensively with the Gondwana Indigenous Choir and select group Spinifex Gum featuring Marliya Choir, where she was identified and recognised for her ability to be disciplined, work with others and contribute.
This group has performed with the Vienna Boys' Choir, travelled and toured Europe, the official opening of the Cairns Performing Arts Centre (CPAC), the Tanks Arts Centre, Sydney Opera House, World Choral Festival, Garma Festival NT, National Indigenous Music Awards in Darwin, Parliament House, Canberra Theatre, the closing ceremony of the Invictus Games and many other events. Most recently Brianna performed with the Marliya Choir at the WOMADelaide in March 2020, pre-lockdown.
A highlight of Brianna's career so far was the release of the single 'Together' by Spinifex Gum featuring Brianna Durante and Marliya Choir, as featured on YouTube and streaming services.