JPC students to tackle climate change

John Paul College student Eamon Walsh. PHOTO/FILE

Two John Paul College students will be among the 40 tasked with finding answers and recommendations to some of New Zealand's future problems around climate change.

Year 13 student Kesia Kurian and Year 12 student Eamon Walsh have been selected to attend "Powering Potential" in Wellington from December 12 to 15.

Organised by the Royal Society of New Zealand and supported by Freemasons New Zealand, Powering Potential will bring many of New Zealand's most promising science students together to work out how to solve challenging issues facing the country.

Eamon said they were thrilled to be selected and was overwhelmed the entire trip would be paid for.

The students will work in teams of four over three days on a question that has been submitted by a science organisation. They will research, investigate and collaborate to provide recommendations.

"The students will need to think outside the square and use their creative capabilities to find solutions," said Royal Society of New Zealand chief executive Andrew Cleland.

"At the end of the three days, each team will present its findings at a special presentation."

To be selected for Powering Potential, each student was required to submit an in-depth application and video which focused on their own science strengths or outlined how they had contributed to an area of science in their school or community.

The students were selected because they are serious about going on to study science at a tertiary level, and also have a passion and thirst for the world of science.

Dr Cleland said the calibre of the students that applied was excellent and some tough decisions had to be made by the selection panel to get the number down to 40.

Grandmaster of Freemasons New Zealand John Litton said they were "absolutely delighted" to be involved in Powering Potential.

"Education is a cornerstone of freemasonry. Our organisation is all about self- improvement and having the courage to make changes for the benefit of all."

All costs for the students, including social activities, are covered by the Royal Society of New Zealand and Freemasons New Zealand.