Te Kura o Tititea Mount Aspiring College Year 13 student Lucas Buick was one of only 168 students across the country selected to attend the Rotary National Science and Technology Forum in Auckland this past January. 

Lucas was selected by the Rotary Club of Wānaka to attend the event which recognises the top-achieving science students nationwide. 

Lucas said the forum provided him with many valuable learning opportunities. 

“I really enjoyed making connections with other students who are passionate about science and professors who are leaders in their scientific fields. 

“I now have a better understanding of the major science subjects at a university and career level which will enable me to make more informed choices about my future.”

Mount Aspiring College principal Nicola Jacobsen said everyone at MAC was proud of Lucas’ achievements. 

“It’s really exciting to see Lucas’ passion for science being nurtured through an opportunity like the Rotary Forum and it’s a testament to Lucas’ hard work that he was selected to represent our school and our community at the event. 

Lucas’ attendance at the forum was partially funded by the Rotary Club of Wānaka and his travel and accommodation costs were supported by a Pioneer Energy scholarship. 

Lucas has also been selected in the 2022-23 New Zealand International Biology Olympiad Programme, an intensive course of biology tutorials awarded to the top 225 biology students across the country. 

PHOTO: Supplied