By Emma Sun
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HALLAM Senior College student Cassie Hudson received a scholarship, recognising her as one of Victoria’s high-performing Koori students last week.
The Year 11 student was one of 18 Victorians to get the Wannik Education Scholarship, which was presented to her by Education Minister Martin Dixon at Parliament House.
The scholarship is given to aboriginal students to support further achievement at school and Cassie’s $5000 will be split over two years, half for this year and half for next year.
Assistant principal at the college Bernadette Bowling said Cassie was an amazingly hardworking and diligent student.
“The scholarship is especially for those who show academic potential and she is one of our consistently hardworking students fully deserving of anything she receives,” Ms Bowling said.
“Kids really have to earn those scholarships, prove that they are going to work hard to improve and Cassie has done that.”
Cassie said the money would help her pay her school fees and she was glad to have received the scholarship.
“I know a lot of people applied, so I feel lucky that I was given the honour of receiving it,” she said.
“I’m very proud. The money will definitely help me for the future.”
South Eastern Metropolitan Region MP Inga Peulich said the Wannik Scholarships were crucial in closing the gap to ensure more indigenous students complete Year 12.
“Since the Wannik program was introduced in 2009, just four students out of 44 scholarship recipients left school before the end of Year 11, with the remaining 40 now in Year 11 or 12,” Ms Peulich said.
“This is proof this program is working to inspire students to achieve and succeed at school and beyond.”
“The Baillieu Government is proud to continue its support of the annual scholarship program, which helps families cover education-related expenses for the recipients.
“These students are already role models in their schools and local communities, and the government is pleased to support them on their journey toward further education.”
