Top scholarship recipients ready for university

Despite the floods delaying his move to Brisbane, former Lockyer District State High School student Callum Mason is ready to start university after receiving The University of Queensland’s prestigious UQ Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship.

Around 200 high school graduates will join Mr Mason at a formal ceremony at UQ’s St Lucia Campus this Sunday, February 20, to accept their scholarships for academic excellence.

Of this group, 24 students will be awarded UQ Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarships, each is valued at $12,000 a year for up to five years, and awarded to applicants who achieved a result that places them at the very top of the OP1/equivalent band.

Mr Mason, who will be studying a dual degree in economics and science at UQ’s St Lucia Campus, had plans to move from the semi-rural town of Gatton to Brisbane in late 2010.

However, the recent flooding in Brisbane meant Mr Mason was only able to move into his St Lucia accommodation this week.

He said being awarded the scholarship was a major personal achievement.

“I was elated when I found out I got the scholarship. I called all my family and friends to let them know,” Mr Mason said.

“It’s a challenge to move out of home, but I’ve always wanted to get my degree straight after leaving school and the scholarship from UQ has made this possible.”

Rebecca Seckington, who attended high school at Somerville House, will share Mr Mason’s excitement on Sunday when she also accepts her UQ Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship, which she said would help realise her dream of becoming a doctor.

“As a child I would sometimes spend time at the pharmacy where Mum worked and I believe this sparked my interest in health and medicine,” Ms Seckington said.

“I’m still unsure of what area of medicine I’d like to specialise in, but for now I’m looking forward to starting my studies and seeing what the University has to offer.”

As a competitive table tennis player – having represented Queensland and Australia – Ms Seckington said she is also very excited about playing table tennis at UQ, with the aim of representing the University at the Australian and World University Games.

The Director of UQ's Office of Prospective Students, Scholarships and Student Equity, Ms Margaret Fairman, said the scholarship program aimed to reward the achievements of outstanding school leavers.

“It also recognises the very significant leadership or community service contributions made by the students as well,” she said.

Over 350 scholarships were awarded for study in 2011 including more than 150 UQ Excellence Scholarships, valued at $6000 a year for up to four years, and 181 UQ Merit Scholarships providing $6000 for the first year of study.

Event details
What: UQ Academic Scholarships Award Ceremony
Where: UQ Centre (Building 27a), Union Road, St Lucia Campus
When: Sunday February 20, 2011
Time: 2.30pm for 3pm start

Media: Margaret Fairman 07 3346 7704 or 0419 773 977, or Caroline Bird 07 3365 1931.