The 2014 Brother John Taylor Memorial Prize has been presented to two students who have overcome significant hardship to attain outstanding results in last year’s Higher School Certificate.

The Prize was presented today by the President of the Board of Studies, Teaching and Educational Standards (BOSTES), Mr Tom Alegounarias at a ceremony in NSW Parliament House.

“This Prize is an important component of the program of recognition that is in place for HSC students. It is also unique in that it is part of the legacy of Brother John Taylor, a lifelong advocate of education and equity.

“This year’s recipients are both outstanding students, and have demonstrated resilience and determination in tackling the challenges they have each faced in their lives,” said Mr Alegounarias.

The winners of the 2014 Brother John Taylor Memorial Prize are:

• Mr Evan Jones – who completed his HSC at Bradfield College in Crows Nest. Mr Jones has lived with a range of personal and health issues throughout his childhood and into adolescence. Mr Jones has been accepted into the University of Sydney for a Bachelor of Arts.
• Mr Joseph Popov – who completed his HSC at Lambton High School. Mr Popov was born with spastic quadriplegia that has a profound impact on his mobility and speech. Mr Popov has been accepted in the University of Newcastle for a double degree in Law and Social Science.

“Both these students have excelled in their studies to date, and there is every reason to believe that they will continue that success at university and beyond,” said Mr Alegounarias.

“Mr Jones is passionate about education, and Mr Popov aspires to a career in human rights law and politics.

“These goals demonstrate the positive outlook these young men have on life and their desire to make worthy contributions as adults. 

“BOSTES is very proud of its association with the Brother John Taylor Memorial Prize, and I am delighted to be making the presentation this year to two very worthy young recipients.

“Joseph and Evan both exemplify the application and commitment that HSC students right across NSW bring to bear on their studies.

“I want to congratulate both recipients, and thank their teachers, families and friends for the support they have provided to Evan and Joseph throughout their school studies.”