Blayney High School Year 11 student, and girl’s school captain, McKenzie Graham, says that she doesn’t get nervous easily, but as she walked up on stage in Dubbo on Wednesday to accept her Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute Award for Science, she had to admit that she was a bit on edge.
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“As one of the school captains I get up on stage in front of everyone quite often so it’s no big deal, but at the awards I did feel a bit nervous, but not that much,” she said.
Part of McKenzie’s cool approach may be that when she’s not excelling in her chosen science subject of physics, she’s flying a Piper Warrior in the Air Force Cadets.
“I’ve completed 30 hours of flying now and in April I completed my first solo flight,” she said.
That she declares that she didn’t feel scared at all on her first lone flight is not unexpected.
“I remember looking at the empty seat next to me and yelling out all my checks, being applauded by the ex fighter pilots and other cadets, and also receiving a patch, but other than that I barely remember the flight,” she said.
After finishing school McKenzie plans on using her skills and marks in physics and maths before becoming a pilot and will try first with the RAAF before looking at becoming a commercial pilot, but it’s with the air force that her true passion lies.
“My great grandmother was in the air force and always spoke about her time there,” she said.
Thirty-three year 11 students from across Western NSW have been recognised for their scientific ability and commitment by the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute.
The awards recognise the efforts of students who reach a high level and display passion for science at a time when participation in school science is declining.
Dr Ralph Patrick from the institute was on hand to present the awards and said he was impressed with the talent in Western NSW.
“It’s encouraging to hear about the students’ passion. A passion for science generally starts with high school and continues on afterwards,” he said.
“It’s also very encouraging to see the support of parents and teachers. They have taken the time to be here and I think that support is just so important.”