More than 2,700 high school students from around Australia received recognition for their innovation and learning in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) subjects from the Australian Defence Force this week.
Students from Year 10 and Year 12, chosen from 1,660 Australian schools, were presented with the inaugural ADF Future Innovator Award and cash prizes for showing what they’ve learnt from STEM-related topics.
Congratulating the winners Defence Personnel Minister Darren Chester said the award laureates represent the next generation of motivated STEM innovators.
Year 10 students received cash grants of $250, and $500 for Year 12. Each winner will be presented their award by current ADF servicemen and women.
A point award winner Anthony Dellis, from Sydney’s John Therry Catholic College, believed was true. Dellis noted that by learning STEM subjects, he had advanced his core principles across all topics.
“This knowledge allows me to go above and beyond when creating new projects such as my Science Extension Project,” Dellis said.
Likewise fellow winner Mahalakshme Thiagarajan, who is in year ten at Strathcona Girls Grammar in Victoria, said technology had the ability to make life better and our day-to-day life more comfortable.
“After year 12, I would like to study something that can further develop my analytical thinking and problem-solving skills,” said Mahalakshme.
This is why $1.4 million has been invested in encouraging the next generation to join the ADF. It assists the development of a range of skills including independent thinking, digital literacy and creativity capabilities.
