THREE far north Queensland students have received a timely boost for their tertiary agricultural studies with each receiving a bursary from the Business Liaison Association.
The 2015 Secondary School Awards for Excellence in Natural Sciences - Far North Queensland is open to Year 12 secondary students.
It is run by the Business Liaison Association (BLA) in conjunction with the Agricultural Teachers Association (Peninsula Division) and provides bursaries to students interested in pursuing a career in an agricultural-related field at a tertiary level.
Sponsorship for 2015 was provided for the second year in a row by Howe Farming, a family owned agricultural company and one of the largest employers on the Tablelands, and the Mareeba District Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (MDFVA) Workforce Development Officer.
First Prize went to Layne Trelfall from Tully State High School. Layne has applied for a degree in Rural Science and Agribusiness with the University of New England. She will study via distance education while she works part time in Tully.
Her fellow Tully High student Lily Kars received second place and third prize went to Jamie Pollen of Atherton State High School.
The awards, coordinated by Mareeba State High School Science Head of Department Mandy Lindsay, were judged by Dennis and James Howe, Howe Farming, Peter Holden, Department of Agriculture, and MDFVGA workforce development officer Leanne Kruss.
Ms Kruss said the calibre of the applicants was very high.
“These girls were amazing, we were so captivated by their passion and knowledge for the industry and we truly believe they will be our future leaders in these fields,” Ms Kruss said.
The BLA is a not-for-profit community based, incorporated association which provides the pivotal link between education and industry in far north Queensland.
It is a professional organisation dedicated to providing secondary school students with relevant, up to date knowledge, skills and resources to meet the current and future demands of the business community.
