On Tuesday the 22nd of October 2019, at a special ceremony at the Queensland Parliament, Mount Crosby State School student, Larissa Sycz, won First Place (year 4-6) in the 2019 Buy Smart Competition, earning a significant award for both herself and her school.
Each year, the Office of Fair Trading runs the Buy Smart Competition to help educate students about common marketplace issues, including recoginising and avoiding scams, as well as encouraging students to become more informed consumers by submitting a creative project of their choice.
Joining members of Larissa’s family, including her mother Kirsty and older sister Caitlin, for the award presentation, Dr Christian Rowan MP, the State Member for Moggill, paid tribute to Larissa’s significant achievement.
“This year, more than 11,000 students from across Queensland took part in the Buy Smart Competition, which truly underscore’s Larissa’s wonderful achievement of First Place, for the years 4 to 6 category.
“Students and young Queenslanders are increasingly connected to the internet, and the broader marketplace, more than ever, which is why it is so important they learn about their consumer rights.” Dr Rowan said.
Speaking after the award ceremony, Larissa said her decision to create and submit a comic strip, titled ‘The Great Scam’, was inspired by real events.
The comic illustrates a story of a person who is already aware of and takes precautions to avoid online scams, however unfortunately they fall victim to a door-to-door salesman promising additional online security.
“I decided to tell the story – The Great Scam – and warn others after a similar experience happened to a family relative of mine,” Ms Sycz said.
Dr Rowan said that in addition to being recognised at the Queensland Parliament, there was another prize awaiting Larissa and her school.
“As part of her First Prize award, Larissa won $500 for herself, as well as $2,000 for Mount Crosby State School, which is simply outstanding and terrific news for her school.
“My sincere congratulations again to Larissa for her ingenuity and creativity resulting in this wonderful achievement,” Dr Rowan said.
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