The winners of the coveted Beazley Medal for the State's top Year 12 school graduates were announced by Premier Colin Barnett today.
Mr Barnett congratulated 18-year-old Binu Jayawardena, of Hale School, who won the Beazley Medal for TEE students and 17-year-old Emma Hudson, of St Mary's Anglican Girls' School, who won the medal for VET students.
"These two young people have had to work very hard and achieve remarkable results to become the State's top students," Mr Barnett said.
"I am confident that the discipline and commitment they have shown will ensure their success in whatever career path they choose.
"They have been part of a world-class education system and have made the most of that opportunity.
"I would also like to congratulate their respective families, teachers and schools for the support they have provided throughout their schooling."
Binu Jayawardena, of Woodlands, achieved a Curriculum Council award score of 99.35. The winning scores in previous years were 98.08 in 2007; 98.69 in 2006; and 97.79 in 2005.
Binu scored scaled marks of 100 in Calculus and English Literature; 99.32 in Chemistry; 98.45 in Applicable Mathematics; 98.97 in Physics; and 94.47 in Economics. He also won a General Exhibition, a Certificate of Excellence and Certificates of Distinction in Applicable Mathematics, Chemistry, Economics, Calculus and Physics.
Binu is planning to study medicine at The University of Western Australia.
Emma Hudson, of Wembley, achieved three certificates of distinction, a Certificate of Excellence and a Certificate III in Business.
She will now undertake a Diploma of Business course at TAFE, before beginning a Bachelor of Commerce degree at Curtin University of Technology.
The Premier congratulated all students who won Curriculum Council awards.
"These awards now recognise and encourage the pursuit of excellence in all areas of school achievement - not just in preparation for university," he said.
Almost 1,000 Curriculum Council Awards will be presented to more than 700 students from schools across Western Australia at a presentation ceremony at Notre Dame University in Fremantle on Wednesday, February 11.
Scholarships valued at $3,000 will again be offered to each of the 40 General Exhibition winners who chose to stay in WA and study at a local university.
The Beazley medallists will each receive a medallion and a cheque for $2,000.
Premier's office - 9222 9475
