TRINITY Anglican School’s (TAS) 2023 year 12 graduate and school captain, Myuri Gopalapillai, has been awarded Queensland’s prestigious 2024 TJ Ryan Memorial Medal and Scholarship valued at $10,000.
According to TAS Deputy Principal Tim Manea, this prestigious honour recognises Ms Gopalapillai’s exceptional achievements, unwavering commitment to excellence, and outstanding leadership within TAS and the local community.
“The TJ Ryan Memorial Medal serves as a memorial to Thomas Joseph Ryan, a former teacher, barrister, and Queensland Premier (1915–1919) and represents a long-standing tradition of awarding outstanding educational achievement in Queensland,” Mr Manea said.
Mr Manea said the award is bestowed upon students with high academic achievement and exceptional leadership qualities within their school and the local community.
“Myuri’s 13-year journey at TAS was marked by dedication, resilience, and remarkable contributions,” he said.
“As TAS School Captain, she fulfilled her responsibilities with maturity and grace. Her leadership qualities shone through, having previously served as Primary School Captain in Year 6 and as a Year 11 Student Representative Council member.
“Myuri’s role as Environmental Representative and participation in Cairns Interschool Council meetings exemplified her commitment to positively impacting the school community.”
Myuri also achieved extraordinary results in performing arts, earning AMEB High Distinctions for Voice and Communication, Piano Performance, and Grade 8 Flute.
She achieved ADA Jazz and Tap Gold Star Honours and Royal Ballet Advanced 1 – Honours in her dance studies outside school.
The JCU Excellence in Music bursary and QTMA scholarship recognised her outstanding contributions to music, and her performances with the TAS School Orchestra and Rock Band enriched school events.
“Myuri’s commitment to community service was also commendable. As a volunteer with Rosies – Friends on the Street, she selflessly provided sustenance to those less fortunate,” Mr Manea said.
“Her involvement with the Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation and fundraising efforts for the Queensland Indigenous Family Violence Legal Service and the Cancer Council Ponytail Project demonstrated her compassion and dedication.”
Myuri also earned Bronze, Silver, and Gold Duke of Edinburgh Awards and was selected as a delegate for the Cairns Climate Youth Summit and the National Australian Constitutional Convention.
Myuri consistently made the Trinity Anglican School Principal’s List from 2015 to 2022, and received the James Cook University shield for academic excellence in 2020 and Distinctions in the ICAS Mathematics and Science competitions.
“She set a high standard for her peers,” Mr Manea said.
Her victory in the local community Public Speaking competition and leadership in the Australian National School Chess Tournament further showcased her talents.
“Myuri was highly regarded by staff, students, and parents alike. Honesty, loyalty, and leadership defined her, and there was no doubt that she would continue to impact any community she joined positively,” Mr Manea said.
“As Myuri embarks on her next chapter, carrying the legacy of Thomas Joseph Ryan, the school celebrates her achievements and looks forward to witnessing her continued success.”
Keep up with the latest news in Cairns and the Far North, and check out some of our top stories this week: Concerns over social media’s impacts and Cairns dance teacher recognised on national stage.
