Effort adds up to great opportunity

By Russell Bennett
PEMBROKE High School students Josh McCann and Lloyd Myers have been rewarded for doing what they love.
The 16-year-old Year 10 students were nominated by their Mount Evelyn school and won the Foundation of Young Australians’ Opportunity Scholarships for 2010.
The awards recognise students with specific talents who have made a commitment to extending their interest outside the classroom.
Josh’s interest in maths has seen him undertake a year 12 subject and exam while still in year 10 at the Old Hereford Road school.
“I’ve just always been interested in maths,” he said.
“So I guess that’s why I’ve always been pretty good in it.”
Josh recently sat the year 12 further maths exam without any fear whatsoever.
“The exam was fine,” he said.
“Maths just comes naturally to me.
“I plan on doing maths subjects, like methods and specialist, through year 12.”
Josh said he planned on working in computer programming once he left school and required specialist maths to do it.
“I’ve always been into computers,” he said.
“From the age of three I was tinkering with dad’s computer and blaming it on my sister.” Josh was awarded $800 for his award and Pembroke’s Mount Evelyn campus principal Tom O’Meara said the money would go towards university-level maths computer programs and text books.
Josh’s classmate Lloyd was recognised for his artistic ability and keen interest in visual arts.
“I’ve always been an A+ student in art,” he said.
“I haven’t always been that way in other classes but I’ve always done well in art.”
Lloyd said he particularly likes photography and loves art because “you always get to try something new”.
Mr O’Meara said Lloyd often gives up his lunchtimes to hone his craft in the school’s art room.
“Both Lloyd and Josh are very passionate about what they do,” he said.
“The school is very proud, just delighted.
“Both boys are excellent students.”
Mr O’Meara said Josh and Lloyd each wrote letters of thanks to the Foundation of Young Australians in the weeks following their award.
“And we’re going to recognise their achievements at the upcoming college awards night,” he said.
“They deserve it.
“We’re just so proud of them.”