TJ Ryan Awards reward high achieving Queensland students

Twelve high-achieving Queensland students have been recognised as part of the 2013 TJ Ryan Memorial Medal and Scholarship program.

The honours, which include university study scholarships worth up to $10,000, recognise academic excellence and outstanding leadership in both the school and the community.

Education, Training and Employment Minister John-Paul Langbroek congratulated the students for their excellent academic and leadership achievements.

“These esteemed awards are named after a former Premier of Queensland - Thomas Joseph Ryan who served from 1915 to 1919,” Mr Langbroek said.

Mr Langbroek said five Year 12 graduates from 2012 have each been awarded the prestigious TJ Ryan Memorial Medal and Scholarship valued at $10,000 while seven have been recognised with a Highly Commended award valued at $1,000.

“Having worked as a teacher and obtaining degrees in Arts and Law, TJ Ryan highly valued education and the difference it could make to people’s lives,” he said.

TJ Ryan medallists come from state and non-state schools throughout Queensland and will receive $2,000 in scholarship payments for each year they undertake an undergraduate degree course, to a maximum of five years.

The medals originated in 1927 with past recipients including Emeritus Professor John de Jersey, (Order of Australia), who received the accolade in 1957, and Robin Sullivan (nee Greaves), who was awarded the medal in 1956. Robin became a teacher and worked as the Deputy Director-General of Education before becoming Commissioner for Children and Young People Child Guardian.

Mr Langbroek acknowledged the support and encouragement the students received from their parents, teachers and communities.

“Their years of dedication, patience and inspiration have contributed greatly to the success of these young people.”

A list of recipients follows:

[ENDS] 17 April 2013

Media contact: Danita Goodwin 0439 886 652