The Order Winter 2013 - Order of Australia Association

The Order No. 33, Winter 2013
Governor-General meets a trio of awardees
15
AT RIGHT: A trio
of awardees with the
Governor General,
(from left) Benjamin
Knight, Aaron Moss,
the Governor General
and an earlier awardee,
Alyssa Fitzpatrick, who
was the most recent
of the Foundation’s
awardees to receive a
Rhodes Scholarship and
was invited to meet the
Governor-General at
the Awards Ceremony
at Government House,
Yarralumla.
Aaron Moss receives his OAA Foundatiion scholarship
award from the Governor-General
Continued from previous page
Benjamin is keen to undertake a student exchange as
part of his studies, to broaden his understanding and
appreciation of international perspectives. He is a keen
community participant in drama activities, and public
speaking. To strengthen his community sklls he has
completed certificates of competency in first aid, service
of alcohol and fire safety.
The Order of Australia Association Foundation
scholarship will reduce his reliance on part-time work,
ensure that he maintains his excellent study results (last
semester he achieved three high distinctions) and allow
him to volunteer at community legal centres and MPs’
offices.
The Riddiford Trust has generously donated the funding
for Benjamin’s scholarship.
The Foundation has arranged mentors for both students.
The mentoring program is an outstanding feature of the
scholarship as it provides access to an eminent member
of The Order of Australia in the chosen field of study. Mr
Ron Banks AM, of Tasmania, has agreed to mentor Aaron
and Mr Michael Robinson AO, of Victoria, has accepted
the mentor role for Benjamin.
Aaron’s eyes set on
United Nations
Aaron Moss (left) of Lindisfarne, Tasmania,
is studying for a Bachelor of Arts (Advanced
Honours)/Bachelor of Laws degree at the University of
Tasmania. With an ATAR rank of 98.75 percentile, Aaron
received Year 12 Awards for outstanding achievement
in economics, legal studies, accountancy and Applied
Maths. This led to him becoming a participant in the High
Achievers’ Program. Subsequently he received the Lara
Giddings Award for Outstanding Achievement. In 2011 he
was entered on the Arts Faculty Dean’s Roll of Excellence.
He has been highly placed in Law School competitions.
His sights set on a position in the United Nations,
Aaron chose his courses to reflect his deep interest in
international affairs, social justice and the capacity for
law and politics to make a difference and a change in the
world. He is National Membership Officer of UN Youth
Australia, Convenor of the 2012 Evatt Trophy (the largest
Model Security Council-style debating competition in
the southern hemisphere and he recently visited Harvard
University with the Australian delegation for the National
Model United Nations). He is also National President of
the Young Australian Democrats. Aaron is a member of
the Golden Key International Honour Society, a global
group for high-achieving students, in which he plays a
leading role in organising programs and events.
This scholarship will remove the stress and anxiety
of the demanding financial pressure Aaron experiences,
enhance his opportunities to relate to his mentor, Mr
Ron Banks AM and allow him to extend his spheres of
influence in the community and afford more time for study
(to maintain high distinctions). Aaron enjoys extensive
involvement in community boards of management and his
relaxation comes from his deep passion for pop and dance
music.
He has a determination to succeed, a desire to help
change life for the better for those in need, and a
willingness to lead by example.
The Order of Australia Association Foundation has
provided the funding for Aaron’s Scholarship.