The Batemans Bay Youth Foundation hosted an inspirational presentation function at the Batemans Bay Soldiers Club last night (Thursday 3 February 2022).
Eighty special guests, including family members congratulated ten students from four local high schools who received grants of $3,500 to assist them in making the transition to living away from home.
The successful students this year are:
On receiving their grant each student gave a short speech outlining their tertiary education plans, their accommodation plans and how the grant would be used to support their transition to tertiary study. Each student story was unique in many aspects. Examples included: a four-day road trip to Townsville, brothers moving out form mum an dad and in with grandparents in Canberra etc. All students were very excited about this major step in their lives.
Two Excellence Prizes named after the late Chairman Alex Taylor OAM, and the retiring Chairman Peter Wood OAM were also presented. Each prize of $1,000 is paid for excellent scholastic performance in the first year of University, restricted to Grantees of the previous year.
The Humanities prize will be awarded to Emily Dickinson, studying for a Bachelor of Primary Education at the University of Canberra, who achieved 3 high distinctions, 3 distinctions and 2 credits in her first year.
The Science prize will be awarded to Jade Briggs who is studying Engineering, at the University of Wollongong, who achieved 5 high distinctions and 4 distinctions in his first year. Jade gave an address about his experiences during his year at university.
The BBYF was established in 1994 for the purpose of providing financial assistance to students leaving high school to pursue personal development and advancement in an unlimited range of worthwhile fields of endeavour. It is supported by a partnership between Batemans Bay Rotary, RSL and Soldiers Club.
Since 1994 the Foundation has given Grants to 239 students, worth a total value of $749,000. Every cent was locally raised, privately donated, or as part of a bequest.
The BBYF selection panel had the daunting task of determining the 10 grantees from a field of 32 applicants. This was completed through December with interviews held in January. For those receiving a grant, it is a vote of confidence by the Batemans Bay community. The foundation wishes all applicants every success for the future.
L-R Back: Kai Crosby, Xander Hurley, Declan Holmes, Joshua Vanzetti Front: Cate Shea, Sinead Edwards, Taylah Wright, Leila Patyus, Damia O’Loughlin, Rachel Pollard
Damia with her Certificate
L-R Back: Kai Crosby, David Ashford (Chair), Xander Hurley, Declan Holmes, Joshua Vanzetti, Jade Briggs Middle: Front: Cate Shea, Taylah Wright, Leila Patyus, Damia O’Loughlin, Rachel Pollard Seated: Committee Bronwyn Geppert, Tricia Wheeler, Judy Filmer-Smith, Keith Brewster, Federal Member for Gilmore Fiona Phillips
Declan addressing the audience
Rachel Pollard and MC Judy Filmer-Smith
Kai addressing the audience
L-R Leila Patyus, Damia O’Loughlin, Graham Brassil
Tricia Wheeler, Graham Brassil, Judy Filmer-Smith
