To secure their spot the 32 students had to outscore seven local high schools at the regional competition, held at Young earlier this year and then wait to see if their  score would put them among top NSW schools. With three more regional events to go the team currently sits in second place in NSW, guaranteeing them the spot in the finals.

This year the state final will be held at the University of Newcastle at the end of August. The School team has been very successful in the past winning places at the national finals three times and placing second in Australia in the last two years and the students are keen to do their town proud again this year. The Challenge, founded by the University of Newcastle in 2000 with the support of local Rotary clubs is now a national event, involving more than 800 schools, 22,000 high school students, 30 universities and various businesses who partnership and sponsor the events each year.

Presently students are fundraising to supplement the substantial cost of the venture to Newcastle. Mr John Gorman and the P&C are running a seafood night on Saturday 2 August. Tickets may be purchased from the high school and Louisa’s Locker for $50 before Tuesday 28 July. Again, the students would like to thank the community for their past and continuing support.