Scholarships help senior students weather COVID-19 storm

Katie and Emilie Graham are 17-year-old twins who attend Mindarie Senior College and received an ATAR scholarship from the City of Wanneroo for the 2020 school year.

The girls said they were pleased to receive the scholarship and that the support served as a financial safety net for their mum, particularly during a challenging school year affected by COVID-19.

“Our mum is a single parent, so this scholarship has helped her with our school expenses,” university-hopeful Katie said.

Emilie – who has her sights set on starting a tertiary teaching course next year – said the uncertainty caused by the pandemic had brought added challenges to finishing high school.

“I’ve found it really tricky with motivation,” she said. “When everything was postponed, there was not much to look forward to.”

Mindarie Senior College Principal Janice Sander said students who received scholarship funding through the City of Wanneroo were “able to fully participate in all College activities” throughout the school year.

“By receiving this scholarship, students are able to choose higher-cost courses and attend excursions without worrying about the extra cost,” she said.

“The City of Wanneroo has been very generous and supportive of Mindarie Senior College students by awarding the scholarship to many of our students, and we continue to appreciate this support.”

Scholarship applications for the 2021 school year are now open, and close on Friday 23 October 2020.

A number of scholarships are available to students who study at government and independent schools across the City of Wanneroo, who have a demonstrated financial need, history of academic achievement and a commitment to enhancing their school’s environment.

Applicants must be starting in Year 10, 11 or 12 in the 2021 school year.

For more information and to apply, visit wanneroo.wa.gov.au/studentscholarships.