Learning Noosa smarts is really tres bon for David
A LOCAL education has provided the foundation for David Rawson to grow his academic career.
Next month the Tewantin-born University of Queensland student will be honoured with the position of Valedictorian at the institution's graduation ceremony for honours students.
The selection criteria for this honour are tough and competitive. The faculty calls each of the various schools that it oversees (such as the School of Languages and The School of Music) to submit nominations for a Faculty Valedictorian.
Nominations must include a written statement by academic staff attesting to the student's achievements, academic record, and contribution to the university and wider community. These are then assessed by a selection committee, and a decision is made to select only one student.
It's a proud moment for the man who, as a young boy, started his education at Tewantin State School and continued at Noosa District High.
David then went on to study a Bachelor of Arts (majoring in English and French) and a Bachelor of Education (Secondary) at the University of Queensland.
Last year he graduated with a dual degree and qualified as an English and French high school teacher.
"And I received a perfect Grade Point Average of 7.00 in my Education studies," he said.
University was the first time away from home for David, who is a born-and-bred Tewantinite, but he was back during the holiday to work at Noosa Civic and volunteer as a JP.
This year David's career rolled onwards and upwards as he enrolled in a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) program.
"This is a research program that involves writing a thesis and undertaking research methods and discipline-specific coursework," he said.
"I undertook this program in the School of English, Media Studies and Art History (EMSAH), all the while working as a supply teacher at various schools in Brisbane and as a Research Assistant within the university. It is this Honours program that I will be graduating from this year."
At a glance
Favourite band: Coldplay
Favourite film: Temple Grandin
Favourite book: The Hours, by Michael Cunningham
