St Hilda’s Year 12 student and prefect, Sarah Don, has been selected to study at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in Boston, United States, a world leader in Science research.

“I have had a secret dream that I would one day study at MIT but I never thought it would come about this way and at this stage of my education,” said Sarah. “It is very exciting and everyone has been so supportive.”

Sarah received a call from the Executive Director of the National Youth Science Forum (NYSF) and was offered the opportunity to spend six weeks at MIT working closely with a professor who specialises in Physics, an area of great interest to Sarah.

Sarah attended the National Youth Science Forum held in Canberra in January where she impressed the selection committee for the MIT scholarship program.

She is one of only two students in Australia to be offered a place in the 2008 program to be held in June-July this year.

“Sarah’s passion for Science and her ability to be a leader in Science research one day was clearly communicated to the organisers of the NYSF,” said Head of School, Mr Peter Crawley

.“As a School we share with Sarah the pride in this prestigious award and are confident that it will be a life-changing experience for her.

Sarah enrolled at St Hilda’s in Year 3 and is a dedicated student who always values learning opportunities.”

A Music Captain and International Understanding Prefect, Sarah Don is an active member of the St Hilda’s student body, contributing not only to academic activities but also to music and leadership roles.

St Hilda’s students are holding fundraising activities and donations from Gold Coast Oncology Research and Malisano Dental clinic have been made to assist Sarah in meeting some of the costs associated with travelling to the United States.