6th September 2019
In an effort to gain the hands-on experience that fuels passion for Science, students from across Australia, have been vying for a position at the 2020 National Youth Science Forum, with Year 11 Girton Grammar School student, Xavier Morrissey, securing participation in the event which next year, will take place at the University of Queensland.
Xavier is one of only six students from Bendigo selected to participate in the coveted University residential program and as a VCE Science student, he hopes to get a head start on his Year 12 studies by taking part in the forum in January.
“It is such a thrill to be selected for the 2020 National Youth Science Forum. 
“I will be spending 12 days immersed in what I love at Queensland University, taking part in site tours, lectures, workshops and group activities with like-minded students.
“I am looking forward to meeting students from all over Australia and hoping that this experience will chart me on a course to success for my studies in Year 12 Biology,” Xavier said.
The National Youth Science Forum Year 12 Program is a 12-day residential program designed to give students a broader understanding of the diverse study and career options available in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) and to encourage continued studies in these fields. The event has been running since 1984. Rotary is the Founding Partner of the event and is responsible for conducting the selection interviews to enable students to attend the event. Rotary District 9800 selected Xavier, who has been allocated a place in the national forum from 8 – 19 January at the University of Queensland. The six Rotary Clubs of Bendigo have been sponsoring students to attend the event for many years and this year will subsidise event fees and travel costs for six students from Bendigo.
Headmaster at Girton Grammar School, Mr Matthew Maruff, said that Xavier was passionate about Science and will thrive as a participant of the national forum.
“We encourage our students to take every opportunity to follow their passions and Xavier has done just this.
“He took it upon himself to be part of the selection process for this event and has been rewarded for his effort and his skill.
“With international research indicating that 75 per cent of the fastest-growing occupations now require STEM skills and knowledge, I am sure that Xavier will be a leading light in the future of Australian Science,” Mr Maruff said.
Pictured:
Xavier Morrissey with Lynne Cooper, Youth Services Director of the Rotary Club of Bendigo Strathdale
and Glenn Madden, President of Bendigo South Rotary Club.
