Two Western Australian top performing Aboriginal public school students have been recognised as winners of the 2019 Rob Riley Memorial Prize.
Education and Training Minister Sue Ellery today announced Perth Modern School graduate Maya Stasiuk as the Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) prize winner; and Western Australia College of Agriculture – Narrogin graduate Breanna Dorrington 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 in 2019.
Maya, 18, of Willagee is currently studying an undergraduate degree in Biomedical Science at the University of Western Australia and will further her study in a postgraduate degree in Medicine, with the end goal of a career in paediatrics.
She attributes her success to her drive and motivation and the competitive environment Perth Modern School gives students to achieve their best.
Breanna, 18, of Kojonup achieved an outstanding four qualifications in agriculture, engineering, and racing (stablehand) at the Western Australia College of Agriculture – Narrogin, while undertaking countless hours of workplace learning.
She is now working in the agriculture industry as a veterinary technician.
As stated by Education and Training Minister Sue Ellery:
“I would like to congratulate both students on their outstanding success.
“Maya had a remarkable year and was awarded the prize for the highest performing Aboriginal ATAR student in a Western Australian public school.
“Breanna remained focused in her studies and undertook more than 300 hours of workplace learning with a range of organisations in the agricultural industry, and I am pleased to hear she has secured employment with one of those employers.
“I wish both students the best with their future endeavours.”
