TALENT TO BURN: Chris Ryan has been awarded a Minister's Award for Student Achievement for his achievements on saxophone, in football and swimming throughout year 12. Photo: STEVE GOSCH 0918sgmisteraward1
AN 18-year-old who wouldn’t look out of place fronting the Phil Collins big band, swims fast enough to teach Magnussen a thing or two and can put a football into the back of the net like Harry Kewell - Chris Ryan is ridiculously talented.
And he is making the most of it.
The Orange High School boys’ vice captain has been honoured with a Minister’s Award for Student Achievement.
The 18-year-old was presented with the gong, given to 40 year 12 students state-wide each year, at a ceremony earlier this month in honour of his efforts on the sporting field, in the swimming pool and in music.
Chris said he was extremely honoured to be recognised in several disciplines, including football with Orange Waratahs, swimming with the Central West and his talent with the saxophone.
He was nominated by Orange High School principal Marie Angus.
“It was a surprise actually. Miss Angus nominated me and then told me that I had received the award,” Chris said.
“I’m just lucky to be acknowledged.”
The award is another feather in the cap of the already accomplished saxophonist.
Chris will travel to the South Australian-based Generations in Jazz Academy in 2013 to continue his love of music at the school in Mount Gambier over the next 12 months.
Although he loved sport, he said music was a passion he wanted to take further.
“I got (my award) for sport and music,” he said.
“It’s a pretty exclusive award.”