Sixty-three students from 38 schools from the Fraser Coast to Moreton Bay have received USC Rise, and Shine Awards for their leadership, enthusiasm and academic or sporting achievements.

The Year 10 students received the awards at their school speech nights and will attend tomorrow’s inaugural Rise, and Shine Leadership Lunch at USC Sunshine Coast, welcomed by Vice-Chancellor Professor Greg Hill.

USC Student Recruitment Manager Courtney Geritz said the awards gave students special access to University events, facilities, lectures and workshops to match their individual interests, such as sport, science, health, arts, business or law.

“This program brings together students from across the region to celebrate their community leadership roles and support their next steps in their senior studies,” Ms Geritz said.

Students will hear from guest speaker and USC Sportsperson of the Year Jordan Mercer, who will share her experiences as a world champion paddleboarder, elite surf lifesaving competitor and USC Primary Education student.

The school students will participate in a social media and entrepreneur workshop with Ashleigh and Jaine Morris from The Circular Experiment.

Ashleigh is a USC Environmental Health Science graduate and 2015 Chancellor’s Medallist who is aiming to change the world, one small business at a time, through her waste management strategy.

Students also will have the opportunity to experience the 3D immersive technology in USC’s Cave2 Visualisation Studio.

— Julie Schomberg