A HARD-working Swan Hill College student has had his efforts recognised at a state level.
Justyn Moser, 16, was recently awarded the Wannick Scholarship which recognises high achieving Koori students.
Justyn was nominated by the school’s Koori engagement support officer Robbie Gray.
Mr Gray said Justyn had continued to show genuine dedication towards his studies at school since starting at the college in Year 7.
“There are students that usually do what they can to just get [a pass], but Justyn always challenges himself to get more,” he said.
“I really think he has earned this.”
He added the college always “looked out” for students who were high achieving and “everything else that goes around it as well as other things like behaviors and attendance”.
“This [award] is a perfect example of students who are achieving and putting in an effort are being rewarded as well,” Mr Gray said.
Receiving a total of $5000 over two years, Justyn, who is in Year 11 and undertaking a Year 12 subject, said he was thrilled with his achievement.
“I was pretty stoked, I didn’t expect it,” he said
The award ceremony for the scholarship took place at Parliament House in Melbourne, with the Minister for Education Martin Dixon presenting the awards.
Mr Dixon said the strong growth in the number of Indigenous students completing Year 12 reflected the great work being done across the education system and within the Koori community, including the Wannik Education Scholarships.
“More Indigenous students are completing Year 12 than ever before, and the percentage of Koori students entering university has increased from 22 per cent in 2008 to 40.3 per cent in 2013,” Mr Dixon said.
Justyn said he was impressed with the service saying he appreciated the acknowledgment of the traditional owners of the land when the ceremony commenced.
“The scholarship acknowledges Indigenous students who are high achieving and that it can be difficult for them at times,” he said.
Justyn said he hoped to put some of the money towards a laptop.
He said he hoped to become a aircraft mechanic engineer and join the air force
