Three south-east high school students are among a select few to be honoured with a Victor Chang School Science Award.
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The prestigious annual awards were presented on Friday, with Samuel Jolley (Bega High), Shane Christensen (Eden Marine) and Roan Larsen (Bombala) among the 25 Illawarra and South East region Year 11 recipients for excellence in the field of science.
In his citation, Samuel was singled out as “an outstanding student who displays a natural aptitude and interest in the sciences”.
He achieved academic excellence with first place in chemistry and physics and third place in biology.
“Samuel has an inquiring mind and makes connections that generate a deep understanding and knowledge of the course content. His pursuit of excellence in his science subjects is to be commended and augurs well for any future endeavours he pursues.”
Shane also achieved academic excellence in the majority of his subjects throughout his senior high school life at Eden Marine High School, as well as his previous schooling in Boulder Colorado.
In his preliminary year, Shane achieved first place in chemistry, physics and extension 1 mathematics, as well as gaining top five in his other subjects.
For his HSC year, Shane is expanding his studies by taking on extension 2 mathematics and extension science courses.
Although Shane has shown exceptional ability in all his subjects, his career path is in the area of biomedical engineering.
Meanwhile, Roan “has a quiet diligence and love of learning” his citation read.
He is inquisitive and methodical and he looks for the deeper understanding in his studies of biology and physics, achieving excellent results in both. Roan is not only successful in his studies individually but he encourages his peers in their studies.
His attitude and commitment have gained him the respect of teachers and students at Bombala High School, reflected in his election as school president of the Student Representative Council and the leadership role he has taken within it.
Named after the late cardiac surgeon and pioneer of modern heart transplantation, Dr Victor Chang, these awards were established to celebrate young, gifted students and to foster growth in scientific studies.
The Victor Chang School Science Awards help raise community awareness and appreciation of the important contribution scientists can make to our everyday lives.
Dr Ralph Patrick from the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute believes that by guiding and encouraging these students to consider a career in STEM, the legacy of Australian discovery will only become stronger.
“By nurturing these inquisitive scientific minds, we are cementing a strong future for Australian research. We’ve got such a proud history of discovery and it’s through students like these, that the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics will continue to flourish in Australia.”
“As a scientist you not only contribute to building knowledge and understanding, but you’re also a driver in economic, environmental, health, social and technological advances. The opportunities are truly endless,” Dr Patrick explained.
The winners will join more than 200 students from across NSW on a tour of the Victor Chang Institute, and have the opportunity to learn first-hand from world-renowned scientists.