Andy Thomas scholarship winner is flying high

Monday, 23 January 2006

Loxton Year 12 student Jordan Gray is flying high after winning the University of Adelaide's prestigious annual Andy Thomas Scholarship.

Named after one of the University's most distinguished graduates, NASA astronaut Dr Andy Thomas, the scholarship is awarded annually to a new student undertaking Mechanical, Mechatronic or Aerospace Engineering at the University of Adelaide.

Jordan, 17, who completed Year 12 at Loxton High School in 2005, will study a double degree in Aerospace Engineering and Mathematical and Computer Sciences.

University Vice-Chancellor Professor James McWha said: "The University of Adelaide is delighted to award this scholarship to Jordan and we look forward to seeing him among our new students. Jordan's application stood out from a group of very high-calibre applicants."

The scholarship includes full fee remission for the duration of the program and a living allowance of $5000 a year for up to four years. The scholarship is extremely competitive with selection made primarily on the basis of academic merit. Successful applicants have usually achieved outstanding Year 12 results.

Other criteria include career aspirations, involvement in the community and leadership qualities. The first scholarship was awarded in 1999 and Jordan is the eighth recipient.

An ecstatic Jordan said the scholarship would be a huge help and he was looking forward to starting his degree: "It's a new and exciting field of study and the career paths are very open."

And as for following in the footsteps of Andy Thomas: "That would be great but that's a long road. Let's see what happens."

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