By VANESSA VALENZUELA
FOUR bright students from Catholic Regional College in Sydenham have taken out top prizes at a national engineering competition after dazzling industry professionals with their innovative designs.
Year 12 students Michael Holian, Anton Cuschieri, Benjamin Di Mieri and Manasi Vazirani placed first, second and third at the National Electrical and Communication Association (NECA) student awards earlier this month.
The awards encourage young people to pursue a career in electro technology and also recognise the achievements of skilled secondary school students in Australia.
Michael took out first place for his hydroponic system, which controls light, water flow and temperature with a solar power back-up system, and will be flown to Brisbane to receive his $1000 prize.
Anton took out second place for a computer controlled bomb-diffusing robot while Benjamin and Manasi shared third prize for their cutting-edge creations.
Michael said he was initially surprised to discover he had been announced the winner of the inaugural awards for his VCE project.
“I didn’t think I’d win because there’s nothing too fancy about it,” he said.
The talented student decided to build a hydroponic system to merge his interest in biology with engineering and said the project had taken him almost half a year to complete.
“If you got to spend six months making something, it might as well be something you enjoy doing.”
Michael said he spent “every lunch time, and every recess, and every spare period” working alongside his peers to complete the project on time.
Systems engineering teacher Bruno Wisidagama said he was proud of his students who had shown drive and determination during their studies.
“It’s unbelievable how a single school can grab all of the awards but they have worked hard throughout the year. They are very committed kids,” Mr Wisidagama said.
“We’ve always have students taking out the NECA awards and also top designs in VCE every year for the last 12 years.
“I’m very lucky to have students coming in that are always able to deliver.”
