Caleb Franks is the inaugural recipient of the Rotary Club of Smithton Bursary. 

Presented at the Circular Head Celebration of Education event, the scholarship epitomises the club’s values of supporting education and growing local economies, Rotarian Ricky Tuck said at the presentation. 

“We are all aware a good education has the power to change a life,” he says. 

“Caleb’s enthusiasm for extending his education, and in particular his curiosity about all things science, was contagious in his application.” 

Studying a Bachelor of Science at the University of Tasmania’s Sandy Bay campus in Hobart, Caleb is keen to develop his interest in astrophysics, general and special relativity and quantum mechanics.

The 18-year-old attended Smithton High School and later Hellyer College in Burnie, where he discovered an interest in science. 

Studying the subject of physical science in his first year at college, the class introduced Caleb to the fundamental concepts of physics and chemistry. His passion for science flourished as he extended his knowledge in physics, chemistry, biology and maths methods in year 12, achieving an ATAR of 94.05. 

Caleb continues to foster a curiosity in the world around him with the ultimate goal of becoming a physicist. His work ethic, along with the $2500 Rotary Club of Smithton scholarship, will see him well on the way to achieving this. 

As the inaugural recipient of the Rotary Club of Smithton Bursary, Caleb Franks this year embarks on a three-year degree at the University of Tasmania. Pictures: Ashleigh Force.