
Celebration of Outstanding Student
On Wednesday 21st March 2017, the College community celebrated a former student Jordan Wray. Jordan has just completed a Bachelor of Science (Honours), an Enhancement Program for High Achievers at Flinders University.
The following is the transcript from the presentation, made by Brother Paul Gilchrist:
“Jordan, from Port Lincoln, was a member of the Aquinas College community for four years, from 2013 through to 2016. A talented guitarist, Jordan was always a regular participant in Music nights at the College. He was also the accompanist to the choir in the weekly Mass at the College chapel. Jordan is an expert in Martial Arts and was a finalist, in this year’s Rhodes’ Scholarship award, narrowly missing out on selection for a full scholarship to attend Oxford or Cambridge universities in England.
In his first year at the College, Jordan achieved 8 High Distinctions and was awarded the Michael Wills prize in Physics and Astronomy, and the Flinders’ University Chancellor’s letter of Commendation. In his second year, Jordan became a tutor at Aquinas and finished the year with 7 High Distinctions and 1 Distinction. He again received the Chancellor’s letter of Commendation. At the start of his third year at Aquinas, Jordan was appointed to the position of Senior Tutor at the College and he initiated many projects which are still in practice today. Jordan again scored 7 High Distinctions and 1 Distinction. Jordan was awarded another prestigious University prize, the Australian Institute of Physics, Bragg Medal, and another Chancellors’ letter of Commendation.
Last year, Jordan was appointed House Coordinator of MacKillop House and he led the House to win the Lawrie Smart Shield. Using various motivational techniques, he encouraged his fellow house members to do as well as they could in their studies. He gave good example and completed his honours degree with Eight High Distinctions. Jordan also continued as a tutor at the College. Over the four years of study, while he was at Aquinas, Jordan achieved 30 High Distinctions and 2 Distinctions. He has been Dux of the College four times.
Jordan is an extremely generous person with a wonderful sense of humour; so many students can thank him for getting through various Mathematics’ or Science assignments. Nothing is ever too much trouble. He was a volunteer at our recent Tour Down Under function and he continues to be a tutor here at the College while he pursues at PhD in Theoretical Nuclear Physics at Flinders University.
Jordan, we at Aquinas hold you in great affection and we congratulate you on your magnificent academic record. I have much pleasure in presenting you with an Aquinas Medal in recognition of you eight High Distinctions in the Honours degree and as an acknowledgement of the high esteem in which you are held by the Aquinas College community. We wish you every success for the future and may you continue to be a beacon for all to admire and follow.
Thank you for all that you have given us. Congratulations.”