Biggenden high achiever has his eyes set on Mars

JOSHUA Schafer's ambition is to one day travel by spaceship to Mars.

TOP AWARD: Dux Joshua Schaper with head of curriculum David Callaway and principal Beth Everill at the Biggenden State School's award night. Picture: Erica Murree

JOSHUA Schafer's ambition is to one day travel by spaceship to Mars.

The Biggenden State School dux said he had always had a fascination with space.

"You look up to the heavens and there is so much to learn,” he said.

He predicts in the next few decades there will be a colony built on Mars.

Joshua has done all his schooling in Biggenden.

He said being at a small school had not been a disadvantage.

"It helps as you get so much more individual support from the teachers,” he said.

"It has allowed me to grow into the intelligent young man I am today.”

Joshua said learning came naturally to him.

"I love to observe so I learn quickly,” he said.

Next year Joshua is keen to spread his wings, possibly by moving to Childers to undertake Years 11 and 12 at Isis District High.

"At university I would like to study physics and do a doctorate,” he said.

He is keen to work at NASA or CSIRO.

"Of course it will be something to do with space,” Joshua said.

The Biggenden State School held its 61st annual awards night at the memorial hall with family and friends of students in attendance.

School principal Beth Everill said it was a time to celebrate the achievements, both academic and sporting, of the students and their dedication and commitment to learning.

The audience was given an overview of the year's activities, with a report and Powerpoint presentation by school leaders Brittany Brookes and Joshua Schafer.

Special awards

Aaron Aberdein Memorial Award: Felicity Vea Vea

North Burnett Regional Council Citizenship award: Jacinta Smith and Timothy Geissler

Caltex best all rounder award: Felicity Vea Vea

Biggenden Engineering Trade Award: Lawson Miller.

Allan Weatherston Memorial School pride award; Kacey Smith (Year 7) and Felicity Vea Vea (Years 8-10).

Shining Light award: Sharna Williams.

Encouragement awards: Year 7, Kacey Smith; Year 8, Courtney Beddows;Year 9, Jacinta Smith; Year 10, Lawson Miller.

Originally published as Biggenden high achiever has his eyes set on Mars