A South Burnett student has received a $20,000 boost from the University of the Sunshine Coast.

Briana Litzow, 17, of Murgon was recently presented with a prestigious Tim Fairfax Regional Scholarship, an award established to support high-achieving students who have moved from regional or remote areas to go to university.

Briana, who attended Murgon State High School and gained an OP5 last year, has started studying a Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science at USC’s main campus at Sippy Downs.

She said the scholarship was a welcome surprise and would assist her in pursuing a career in strength and conditioning coaching.

“I had planned to travel back to Murgon on weekends to work at my part-time job, but I won’t have to do that now,” she said. “It means I’ll be able to focus much more on my studies. I’m really grateful for that.”

Briana topped her class in chemistry and hospitality at high school and held the role of senior leader, which involved mentoring younger students.

She said her long-term passion for sports including gymnastics and netball, and her interest in biology had led to her enrolling in the Sport and Exercise Science degree.

“I’m not 100 per cent sure which area of the industry I want to end up in, but strength and conditioning is one field I’m really drawn to,” she said.
 
“I chose USC because a few of my friends who were students here already told me the teaching was fantastic and the beach life was pretty good too.

“It’s been easy to get to know people because of the small class sizes, and our lessons have been really hands-on and interesting.”

— Gen Kennedy