Flinders graduate Claudia McPherson has been recognised as one of the highest achievers in Queensland after graduating from Matthew Flinders Anglican College in 2021.
At a recent ceremony in Brisbane, Claudia and other top achievers were presented with their Queensland Certificate of Education Achievement Awards by Queensland Education Minister Grace Grace.
Now an alumna Old Flinderian, Claudia was one of only 32 students in Queensland in 2021 to receive the very highest possible ATAR of 99.95.
Flinders Principal Stuart Meade said, “Claudia has worked admirably and we wish her well as she attends the University of Queensland this year to commence studying a dual degree in Engineering and Computer Science.”
Claudia was profiled in a Courier Mail article on Monday, 28 March. In the article, Claudia said, “I am passionate about helping connect people and technology, as well as the innovation and problem-solving aspect of engineering.”
She noted her career goal was “to connect with other like-minded peers and work out what I want to do in my career in STEM”.
Claudia also gave a nod to her Flinders Year 12 teacher, Mr John Fitzgerald, who taught her favourite subject of Physics, noting, “My teacher was engaging, and the classwork was interesting.”
Her tips and advice for students in the Senior School was, “Don’t worry too much about the future — focus on doing what you love.”
Claudia also shared these sentiments when presenting a speech at the Flinders Scholars Awards, held in January 2022 (cover photo). In the speech, Claudia said, “While it is important to study and put in effort and try your hardest, you have to give yourself time to live.
“If you spend all of your time studying, it will become a chore… But if you pick subjects you enjoy and surround yourself with hobbies and social events, when the time comes around to study, you will enjoy it.”
Claudia led by example at the College, participating in five music bands and three sports and captaining three clubs during her senior year at Flinders.
Through her speech she also encouraged students to be grateful for the incredible opportunities on offer at school and at home. Claudia thanked her family for their “never-ending support” and her many teachers and other staff at Flinders for their support and guidance.
In summary, her take-away advice to students was to:
• enjoy the little things
• make memories, and
• be grateful
The College community wishes Claudia and all of our Flinders Class of 2021 students well as they embark on the exciting next chapter of their lives.
Cover photo caption: Claudia McPherson at the Flinders Scholars Awards held in January 2022 where she presented a speech.
