SWAN Hill College has set up a scholarship for Year 9 students, with the recipients to be awarded based on skill (academic or artistic), need or potential.
The scholarship is worth $1000 and is to be spent on approved school resources.
Applicants will be assessed on their community work, financial need, leadership skills and personal character.
It is expected that successful applicants will report regularly to the foundation on their school progress/studies and engage with the community to promote the scholarship.
Scholarship trustee and former student Stuart MacFarland said the scholarship was inspired by former student Bruce Jones.
“In addition to serving two terms as mayor of this town, his work for the community overall was outstanding,” Mr MacFarland said.
“Hopefully those alumni who have had a good start in life due to their time at Swan Hill College will be encouraged to donate to give others the same excellent opportunities.
“We are also keen for local businesses to consider supporting the scholarship.”
Mr MacFarland approached current college principal Andrew Sartori about the scholarship, who was supportive of the measure.
“The aim is to give students the best way forward while they are at school,” Mr Sartori said.
“We have found that many of our past students have gone on to do incredible things at universities, or in their chosen professions.”
Mr Sartori, along with Mr MacFarland and Sam Cottingham, are the three trustees of the scholarship.
Ms Cottingham is a former school council president, and said the scholarship will give students the push to turn their goals into a reality.
“It’s about paying it forward, giving students who need it a little boost,” she said.
“And a condition of the scholarship is that the students give back as well, to the community.”
The three trustees make sure that the scholarship’s goals are met and the foundation achieves its purpose.
The Swan Hill College Scholarship Foundation is a registered charity and all donations are tax deductible.
The scholarship was established independently of the college, but with the encouragement of both the college and the school council.
Scholarship funds can be spent on items such as computers, books, and fees associated with education, including camps.
Successful applicants are to regularly report to the foundation on their studies and to engage with the community to promote the scholarship.
More information including how to apply can be found at swanhillcsf.org.au.
