Katanning high achiever takes out award

Katanning has another high-achieving student in its ranks after a student was awarded the prestigious Vi Barham award.

St Patrick Primary School student Lauryn Hope-Blyth was the recipient for the award that is now in its 27th year.

The 13-year-old is the first private school educated student to receive the award and was selected out of 10 other candidates. “I was quite surprised, especially being the first student from a private school to win,” she said.

Lauryn will attend Katanning Senior High School while participating in an online course provided by Perth Modern High School next year.

“I love to learn new things and I find the subject really interesting,” she said.

Lauryn is also a keen netballer, swimmer and basketball player. According to award organiser Ian McCredden students are presented with the award for displaying strength in academic, sporting and community fields.

“The Vi Barham award is about recognising excellence from Year 7 students in the Central Great Southern Region,” he said.

“Lauryn was a very worthy winner of the award though all the finalists are worthy ambassadors for their schools and the wider community.”

Lauryn received $2500 to put towards her further education.

The Vi Barham award was named after a staff member at Narrogin District Education Office.

She left a trust to reward the top 10 achieving students in the region.