THE Bombala High School’s Jackie Chapman is one of 37 Year 11 students from schools across the Illawarra, the South East and the South Coast who have been presented with Victor Chang School Science Awards for outstanding achievement in scientific studies.
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And she is the third one in her family to have earned herself the honour! Both of Jackie’s sisters have also won the award in the past, going to show that a love of science certainly runs in the Chapman family.
The citation for the award illustrates why Jackie is taking her turn in accepting a Victor Chang School Science title.
“Jackie is an outstanding Biology student who is always prepared to extend herself beyond the classroom,” the citation reads.
“She is a confident leader in practical situations and is always willing to help her peers to gain greater understanding of Biological concepts. Jackie has produced high quality assessment tasks and achieved first place in Year 11 Biology.”
Director of Educational Services for the NSW Department of Education and Training, Bob Aston, acknowledged the talented students in a ceremony on Tuesday, November 18.
Professor Jamie Vandenberg of the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute also congratulated the students on their success.
“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 that 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 added.
Jackie and fellow winning students were invited to tour the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute and learn from world class researchers.
