FOUR Shoalhaven pupils are among 37 year 11 students from across the South Coast presented with Victor Chang School Science Awards for outstanding achievement in scientific studies.
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Nowra High’s Rohan Corrigan, Shoalhaven High’s Nathan Wallace, Vincentia High’s Ben Staeker and Ulladulla High’s Tomas Rutherford were presented with their awards at Figtree High School on Tuesday by the Director of Educational Services for the NSW Department of Education and Training, Bob Aston, Professor Jamie Vandenberg of the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute and Ann Chang.
Rohan Corrigan said the award was a great honour.
After placing first in his year for both biology and chemistry, Rohan was nominated for the award by his teacher Mrs Howell.
“I never dreamed I would receive the award,” he said.
“I had heard of Dr Victor Chang but they gave us a rundown on his achievements and career at the awards ceremony and he was a pretty amazing person.”
At this stage he is unsure whether science will feature in his future plans.
“Each and every one of these students has shown a dedication to science and a passion for discovery, and they all have the potential to go on to become Australia’s next science hero, just like Victor Chang,” Professor Vandenberg said.
“It was Victor Chang’s enquiring mind and enormous talent that led to his pioneering work in the field of heart transplantation. These awards are a timely reminder that science is vitally important to our nation, in terms of both health and economic prosperity.”
The Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute established the awards more than a decade ago, to foster and encourage an interest in science and a career in science.
A recent report from the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations showed 94 per cent of year 11 and 12 students were enrolled in science subjects 20 years ago, compared with just 51 per cent in 2010.
“A career in science can be hugely rewarding, and we at the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute are delighted to celebrate the great achievements of so many young people from the Illawarra and South Coast,” Professor Vandenberg said.
The winning students will also tour the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute.
