Young Achiever Award finalists

03 Apr 2007

Courtney Blume, Rachel Meldrum and David Johnston are among 24 of the Territory’s Young Achiever Awards Finalists.

The Awards, recognising young Territorians who have contributed positively to their communities through their achievements, will be presented at a Gala affair on April 14 at the Holiday Inn Esplanade, Darwin.

At 16 years of age, David is the youngest person ever to be selected as a member of the Australian Physics Olympiad team that competed in Shanghai, winning silver.

The Territory teen has been involved in many competitions and has built a solar powered tricycle. He has also been instrumental in setting up the SunChase competition and is also involved in running kit solar car construction workshops.

Rachel, 22, was awarded the Northern Territory Chief Minister’s Award for the best all round performance in science at Charles Darwin University as well as the Menzies School of Health Research Award. She is using her science acumen as an employee with the NT Government and also mentors young science students.

21-year-old Courtney most recently took on the role of head of staff at the National Youth Science Forum. The voluntary program comprises a two week camp for year 12 science students across Australia.

“These three young people are wonderful examples of the potential our youth across the Territory are capable of,’’ Power and Water acting managing director Andrew Macrides said.

“Each of the finalists are impressive and should all be proud of their efforts.

“We wish everyone well on the night.’’