Sport
5 December, 2024
Burpengary takes off
It's take-off for Burpengary State Secondary College (BSSC), as the school and one of its students won an award each at the Aerospace Industry Education Awards in Brisbane on November 21.
The 2024 awards ceremony, hosted by Aviation Australia, named BSSC as the Aerospace Gateway School of the Year, and awarded BSSC Year 12 student Lauren Steczkowicz the Year 12 Aerospace System award.
Year 12 student Chelsea and Year 7 student Gizelle were also finalists in different categories.
BSSC is one of over 30 Queensland schools participating in the Aerospace Gateway to Industry Schools program (AGISP), which provides students with the skills and knowledge to pursue careers in the aviation and aerospace sectors.
The Aerospace Industry Education Awards acknowledges the schools, teaching staff and students’ achievements towards aerospace by celebrating their achievements.
BSSC, who has been with the AGISP program since 2017, said it was “a great honour” to have received the School of the Year award.
Aerospace and Technology teacher, Karen Kellett, said she hopes to further expose students to all areas of Aerospace.
“The students have worked so hard with the many aerospace programs within the school, being named Aerospace Gateway School of the year not only recognises their efforts, but will encourage more students to enter into every growing and innovative Aerospace Industry,” she said.
“As a school community we hope that this encourages all students to reach for the skies and chase their dreams.”
Students are already working on their entry for next year, planning to start a drone racing club for all year levels.
Lauren said she was “surprised and speechless” about winning the award, which recognises students who have achieved outstanding performance in the aerospace classroom.
“For two years now I’ve wanted to be in the aviation industry working on the aircraft, whether it was on the structure of the aircraft or mechanical side,” she said.
“I am now currently employed with Alliance Airlines as a structural apprentice starting in December 2024.
“My teacher Ms Kellett was the most helpful teacher I’ve had and actually was the one who introduced me into the aviation industry and from there I fell in love with it.”
Glenn Ryan, Chief Executive Officer at Aviation Australia, said Aviation Australia is “very passionate” about raising awareness of aviation as “an exciting career path”.
“Through our popular AGISP, we are inspiring students right across the State, and providing hands-on training and real-life experience in a fast developing and innovative aerospace industry,” he said.
