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Every year Blacktown City Council in conjunction with the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute invites schools within the Blacktown region to nominate a student to be the recipient of the Victor Chang Research Institute Science School Award. The award is to be given to the best Year 11 science student in each school.
Cardiovascular disease is the largest killer in Australia. The Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute (VCCRI) is dedicated to fighting cardiovascular disease through research. “Surgery can save thousands, research can save millions.”
The institute recognises that to be able to combat this disease it needs excellent scientists with different skill sets and one of the most important resources for these scientists are the students in Australian schools. It is in schools that the highest level of educational achievement, innovation and creativity occurs.
To encourage students to pursue a career in science the Victor Chang Award was introduced. The Victor Chang Award is about helping students perceive a career in research as a viable and rewarding pursuit.
In consultation with all the Science teachers at St Andrews College (Senior Campus) the following students were recognised to be the best science students in Year 11: Abok Aguek, Noel Amoranto, Alice Apalakis, Mark Isakov, Jacinta Houng, Khang Nguyen, Anthony Perera, Katrina Quizon, Julia Topalovic, Aleisha Thornton and Shamjutha Vashanthan.
From this very strong field of candidates two students, Katrina Quizon and Khang Nguyen, were selected to be the recipients of the Victor Chang Award due to their consistent outstanding efforts and achievements in the Science courses that they undertook.
On the 26th of October Katrina and Khang, along with thirty other students from the different schools in the Blacktown area, attended a presentation ceremony at the Blacktown City Council Chambers. The ceremony began with an address from the Mayor of Blacktown City, Councillor Stephen Bali, followed by a presentation that gave an overview on the goals of the institute and the various research projects conducted at the institute. Dr. Nicola Smith, a representative from the VCCRI, then spoke about the importance of the diverse skills and the importance of collaboration in research.
The Mayor of Blacktown City, Councillor Stephen Bali and Dr Nicola Smith presented the Victor Chang Award to each student. In addition to this award Katrina and Khang were also given an invitation to spend time at the Institute to learn first-hand about its activities and about career opportunities in science.
Caroline O’Hare
Leader of Learning - Science