Two outstanding Western Australian Aboriginal public school students have been recognised as winners of the 2021 Rob Riley Memorial Prize.
Education and Training Minister Sue Ellery announced today Comet Bay College graduate Caleb Langan as the Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) prize winner, and Rossmoyne Senior High School graduate Myka Richards-Matters as the Vocational Education and Training (VET) prize winner.
The Rob Riley Memorial Prize is named in honour of the late Aboriginal human rights advocate and recognises the top-performing Year 12 Aboriginal students in public schools.
Caleb aims to become a research scientist and is currently studying at the University of Melbourne, working towards a Bachelor of Science in Mathematical Physics.
He attributes his success and motivation to his teachers at Comet Bay College – in particular his deputy principal and growth coach Mr Michael Churchman, who helped him to grow, focus and set goals; his family and friends for their support and encouragement and Engineering Aid Australia for opening up opportunities for him.
Myka achieved three qualifications in sport and recreation, education support and community services while at Rossmoyne Senior High School. She also logged an impressive 391 hours of workplace learning during her Year 11 and 12 studies.
She is currently completing her orientation before entering the Aboriginal Police Cadetship program.
As stated by Education and Training Minister Sue Ellery:
“I congratulate both Caleb and Myka on their achievements and well-earned success.
“Caleb’s top marks in ATAR demonstrate his motivation and academic achievement, and I look forward to following his career in research science.
“Myka’s work ethic and dedication to learning have provided her with the foundation to succeed in achieving her goals and secure the opportunity to enter the Aboriginal Police Cadetship program.
“I wish both students all the best with their future endeavours.”
