2024
Karratha Senior High School year 12 student, Ruby Wood-Hill, has been awarded the 2024 Walkington Award for her outstanding academic achievements, contributions to her school, and significant involvement in the community.
Now in its 41st year, the Walkington Award is presented annually to a City of Karratha Year 12 student to support their tertiary studies at a recognised institution. This year, the prize was increased to $10,000, reflecting the rising cost of education and the council's commitment to supporting young leaders.
Ruby plans to use the award to pursue a Bachelor of Biological Science, with a focus on researching climate solutions. She has already been accepted into a prestigious residential college and hopes to continue her studies at the University of Western Australia.
Her academic achievements include the Highest Academic Achievement Awards for Year 11 ATAR Biology and ATAR English. Beyond the classroom, she has been actively involved in local sports such as water polo, and was awarded best referee on ground at the North West Soccer Championships.
She has also volunteered with IF Foundation a local drama group, being highly involved in annual ocean cleanups through Keep Australia Beautiful, and her leadership was recognised by her peers as one of four Honorary Watch Leaders to take over the STS Leeuwin tall-ship for the day and sailed her into Exmouth.
City of Karratha Mayor Daniel Scott said the Walkington Award has a proud history of recognising students who excel academically, contribute to their communities, and participate in extracurricular activities.
"This year’s candidates were some of the strongest in recent memory, with 13 applicants in total. The judges remarked on the exceptional calibre of the top three finalists, but Ruby stood out with the highest overall scores from all judges combined," Cr Scott said.
"Her excellent grades, impressive school contributions, and significant involvement in the community made her the unanimous choice. Ruby has shown exceptional leadership and dedication.
"We wish Ruby all the best in her future studies and look forward to seeing the positive impact she will make in the world."
Walkington Award Winner Ruby Wood-Hill said it was an honour to be recognised with the Walkington.
“There were so many strong candidates this year, and I feel like we were all very deserving of this award, so it was a very pleasant surprise to be chosen as this year’s recipient,” Ruby said.
“I am incredibly honoured and very thankful for this acknowledgement and the opportunities it will provide.”
2023
St Luke’s College Year 12 student, Zane Goes was awarded the 2023 Walkington Award for his academic achievements and outstanding citizenship.
This is the 40th time the award, valued at $5000, has been given to a Year 12 student within the City of Karratha to continue full-time or part-time tertiary studies at a recognised education institution.
Zane will use the $5000 award from the City of Karratha to support his studies in Physiotherapy.
City of Karratha Mayor Peter Long congratulated this year’s recipient and all the applicants for their outstanding achievements.
“The Walkington Award has a proud history of supporting local students who embody the three pillars of academic excellence, extra-curricular activities and community service,” Cr Long said.
“We are beyond proud of the leadership, commitment and accountability our young people demonstrate and the significant contribution they make to our community.
“Zane is a hard working student who has achieved standout results including in Year 11 receiving the ‘Academic Excellence Award’ for the highest marks in Chemistry, Physics, Maths Methods and Physical Education. This has continued in Year 12 and where he again received the ‘Academic Excellence Award’ for Physics, Chemistry, Maths Methods and Physical Education. “He is a sports captain, and a member of the student executive council and as part of this role Zane has facilitated new initiatives at the school such as the Father’s Day breakfast, men’s mental health day, International Women’s Day and even the new initiative of a school busy bee.
“I would like to wish Zane all the best on his studies as he pursues his dream to be a physiotherapist and hope to one day see him practice in Karratha.”
