FOUR young people from the Swan Hill and Kerang region will have an easier journey to university thanks to funding from the Freemasons Foundation of Victoria.
This year, four Jodie Knox Memorial Tertiary Scholarships worth $5000 each were announced for four students who plan to study in the big smoke, and were presented to the youngsters with the support of Tresco and Chisel United Lodge.
Chair of Freemason’s Foundation Victoria Rodney Lavin explained that these scholarships are part of the two to three million dollars given out each year for the benefit of the community.
“$5000 for some is not a big deal but for others it means the world,” Mr Lavin said to the chosen students.
“I hope it assists in changing your life.”
The selection committee had a tough job choosing between nine deserving applicants, and Mr Lavin congratulated all the young people for their efforts.
“If I could make one recommendation to young people it would be to add another dimension to your life,” he said.
“Whether that’s by joining a local political party, volunteering with Rotary or Lions or Scouts, Meals on Wheels, Auskick or the local tennis club.
“Because out there that’s where you come across other people in the community.”
Matthew Gardiner who has recently graduated from Swan Hill Secondary College will be heading to RMIT Melbourne to study a five-year osteopathy course.
Matthew has previously volunteered with Meals on Wheels, Aussie Hoops and Auskick. He has been recognised for being an all rounder for his achievements across academics, sport and service.
Mena Keighran who has recently graduated from St Mary MacKillop College will be heading to Deakin University in Melbourne to student medical imaging, biomedical science and health science.
Mena has held various school leadership roles including being an active member of the social justice and wellbeing committee and also the academic committee.
Hannah Storer who has recently graduated from St Mary MacKillop College is heading to Swinburne University in Melbourne to complete a four-year double degree in art design and architecture.
Hannah is a talented artist who has demonstrated her skills with designing several commercial articles. She has also volunteered with Meals on Wheels, umpired with sport, helped build schools in Cambodia and was the recipient of the Dante Alighieri Italian Poetry High Distinction.
Last but not least, Allen Veloso who recently graduated from Kerang Technical College will be heading to La Trobe University in Melbourne to study nursing.
Allen was the first Queen’s Scout in Kerang for 25 years, and has also volunteered as unit chair, secretary and treasurer for the group.
He was awarded, through the Kerang Technical College, the Lions Club Community Service award in 2021.
