Education Minister Grace Grace today congratulated Queensland’s highest achieving Year 12 graduates from the class of 2021 — a group who are destined to be among our future surgeons, computer scientists, biomedical engineers and economists. “This year 47 graduates have received a prestigious Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) Achievement Award for exceptional academic achievements,” Ms Grace said. “Two of these young people attended Sunshine Coast schools. “Kai Weith who went to Coolum State High School, and Claudia McPherson who went to Matthew Flinders Anglican College, were recognised in the Distinguished Academic Achiever category and receive a certificate, trophy and $1000. “Kai got six straight A grades in his senior subjects and will study for a Bachelor of Engineering through the Australian Defence Force Academy, Canberra at the University of New South Wales. He hopes to graduate as an officer in the Royal Australian Navy. “Claudia also got six As including in Literature and Japanese. She’s passionate about STEM subjects and will study Engineering and Computer Science at The University of Queensland.” Coolum SHS graduate Kai Weith said his future goals include graduating as an officer in the RAN and perhaps an alternate entrepreneur career later in life. “I chose the engineering aspect due to its application of physics and mathematics, moreover, the electrical field encompasses electromagnetism which was one of my favourite units in physics,” he said. “However, the military aspect was due to my eagerness for leadership skills, friends and structure provided by the ADF, in addition to the intrinsic pride of serving the country.” Ms Grace said the awards reinforced that Queensland’s new senior curriculum and assessment system enabled students from across the state to reach their full potential. “These award winners are the second cohort to graduate in the new QCE system and attended State, Catholic and Independent schools from Brisbane to the Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Toowoomba, Ingham and Rockhampton,” Ms Grace said. “I applaud the school principals and teachers responsible for the learning cultures and commitment to high standards that helped these young people to flourish. “This is also a proud day for the award winners’ families. I’m sure they are an important part of their children’s success.” The QCE Achievement Awards are sponsored by Griffith University, James Cook University, The University of Queensland and University of Southern Queensland.
