Maroochydore State High School Year 10 student Jamie-Lee Mills will have a running start to university after winning a University of the Sunshine Coast ‘Rise, and Shine’ award.

Jamie-Lee, 15, received a special scholarship for USC’s Headstart program, which enables Year 11 and 12 students to complete tertiary subjects while still at high school.

USC Senior Lecturer in Sports Biomechanics Dr Mark Sayers presented Jamie-Lee with the award at her school’s presentation night recently.

The prize comprised a Headstart Plus experience, which includes a Headstart course of her choice, a program of personalised career planning, tertiary preparation and academic guidance throughout Year 11, and a $100 Co-op Bookshop voucher.

Jamie-Lee, a high-achieving student with a keen interest in sport and public speaking, said she was thrilled to be chosen for the scholarship.

“I thought starting university early would prepare me well for doing a degree in the future, and it would broaden my knowledge of the subjects I’m interested in,” she said.
 
“I’m interested in either pursuing a career in the medical or education fields, so I’m planning to study either a subject in either biomedical science or early childhood education with Headstart.

“I’m expecting it to be a challenge but I’m looking forward to it. It will be great to work alongside uni students and get an idea about what university life is like while I’m still at school.”

The ‘Rise, and Shine’ awards are given to Sunshine Coast or Moreton Bay region Year 10 students who are passionate about a field of study, committed to achieving good grades, and who show maturity in managing their studies and commitments.

More than 70 Headstart courses are available for Year 11 and 12 students. Information on the program can be found at www.usc.edu.au/headstart.

— Gen Kennedy