By Aaron Cordy
A DOZEN young locals saw their higher education aspirations become a little easier last Wednesday when they were awarded Lift Off Education Scholarships from the Greater Shepparton Foundation and the Greater Shepparton Lighthouse Project.
The 2024 recipients hailing from different schools across the Goulburn Valley are Ned Doyle, Mya Jesperson, Cabe Roberts, Elleina Suarez, Charlee Roulston, Caitlin Welch, Tierney McGowan, Tessa McMahon, Ella Hibble, Kaytlin Coonerty, Ella Kightly and Sarah Colliver.
In its tenth year, Lift Off has now supported 132 local students to achieve a post-secondary education since its inception in 2014. The scholarships were introduced when it became apparent an increased number of young people were struggling to afford the transition to higher education, and that country students were twice as likely to defer than metropolitan students.
Ella Hibble will use the scholarship to help complete her Bachelor of Primary Education at Victoria University.
“I’m originally from Shepparton and decided to move to Melbourne six months ago to study a Bachelor of Primary Education at Victorian University… My mum being a single parent, it’s been a little bit challenging financially. So, we found out through friends about the scholarship, and that’s how it all came about,” said a proud Ella upon receiving the scholarship.
“I’m grateful to be given my scholarship from the Women’s Charter Alliance and Margret Attwood Trust… I was very fortunate to be successful.”
