PIMLICO STUDENT SCORES SCHOLARSHIP
A TOWNSVILLE Year 12 student has been awarded one of the country’s most esteemed scholarships for tertiary education.
Pimlico State High School senior Riley Smithers was one of 25 students from around Australia to receive the Australian National University ( ANU) Tuckwell Scholarship for 2019.
The scholarships are awarded each year to high achieving school leavers who have aspirations of studying at ANU in Canberra to help them fulfil their potential and reinvest their knowledge, skill and experience in ways that positively benefit others.
Riley said his first reaction was surprise, followed by amazement when he discovered he had been awarded the prestigious scholarship.
“I am really excited for the opportunity to study at the ANU and be a part of the Tuckwell Scholarship Program,” he said.
“I hope to study International Relations and Law at ANU and maybe pursue a career in foreign relations or the United Nations.
“The scholarship will provide the opportunity to do that and live in Canberra without any burdens.
“It will also give me the opportunity to establish connections with people from across Australia and the world that will benefit me in the future.”
The successful recipients go through a rigorous selection process before being chosen.
Tuckwell Scholar hopefuls are chosen from a challenging application process which includes assessment of written applications and travelling to Canberra for an interview.
Riley was short- listed as one of 75 applicants from the written section for an interview, and travelled to meet with the panel in July.
“The second stage was a bit more challenging as the questions were aimed at determining my values and personality,” he said.
“The final stage in Canberra involved a series of short and intense interviews with the selection panel, to see if I had the qualities of a Tuckwell Scholar.”
Among other achievements, Riley was also selected as the Member for Hinchinbrook in the 2018 Queensland Youth Parliament held in Brisbane earlier this year.
Tuckwell Scholars are awarded over $ 21,000 a year for up to five years to cover study costs, and also participate in an academic and social program of academic and social enrichment designed by current Tuckwell Scholars and supported by a team of academic and professional staff.
The Tuckwell Scholarship was first funded in 2013 by philanthropists Graham and Louise Tuckwell.
Mr Tuckwell said the scholarship was designed to help students meet their goals, and encourage students to learn integral life skills.
“Each year we receive applications from hundreds of students all around Australia who are seeking support to receive the best education in the country at ANU,” Mr Tuckwell said.
ANU Vice- Chancellor Professor Brian Schmidt AC said Tuckwell Scholars added to the national university’s diversity.
“Many of the 2019 Tuckwell Scholars come from regional Australia and their experiences add to the tapestry of student life at ANU,” he said.
“They bring with them not just academic excellence, but different perspectives from their life outside the capital cities.
“This is what university life is about — expanding our horizons and learning from others.”
Visit tuckwell. anu. edu. au for more information on Tuckwell Scholarships.