Three graduates of South Australian Catholic schools have been awarded scholarships from the Playford Trust.
The Trust works to support outstanding students from regional SA who intend to enrol as undergraduates to study science, technology, engineering or mathematics subjects at one of the State’s three universities.
Out of the six regional science and engineering scholarships awarded by the Playford Trust this year, three recipients were from Catholic schools.
Dana Hurrell, from St Joseph’s School, Port Lincoln, Joshua Graham from Caritas College, Port Augusta, and Isabella Trigwell from Samaritan College, Whyalla received $4000 each.
The funds are awarded to promising students to help cover the additional expenses associated with living and studying away from home in Adelaide, as they enter the first year of their university course.
Dana is undertaking a double dress of Science and Mathematical Sciences at the University of Adelaide.
Dana was the female School Captain and Performing Arts Captain at St Joseph’s School, Port Lincoln in 2020.
She achieved subject Dux awards in Specialist Mathematics, Chemistry and Music (Solo Performance), and received the Mayor’s Leadership and John Loller Christian Leadership awards.
Dana also has a passion for music and is studying for Grade 7 AMEB piano, having been awarded Honours in Grades 5 and 6. Dana has participated in many community outreach programs, including Fred’s Van and the establishment of a Youth Group in Saint Mary of the Angels Catholic Church, Port Lincoln. She participated in the Queen’s Baton Relay in 2018, was captain of Port Lincoln Swimming Club for three years and has worked as a swimming instructor and private piano teacher.
Dana aspires to become a secondary school teacher specialising in chemistry and mathematics. She is undertaking a Bachelor of Science (Advanced) and plans to then progress to a Master of Teaching.
Joshua is studying a Bachelor of Science at the University of Adelaide.
School Captain at Caritas College, Port Augusta in 2020, he received the St Mary Mackillop of the Cross-Leadership Award for his commitment to the Caritas school ethos, compassionate concern for those in need, and active participation in the school community.
He also received the Australian Defence Force Future Innovators award for demonstrating innovation and learning in the fields of science, technology and mathematics.
Joshua developed an interest in space science during Year 12 and hopes to transfer into the Bachelor of Science (Space Science and Astrophysics) degree. His aim is to contribute to the South Australian space industry and to developments such as Lot Fourteen.
The first in his family to attend university, he is respected as hard-working student who strives to achieve to the best of his abilities. Alongside Physics, he studied Chemistry, Mathematical Methods and Material Solutions in Year 12, and received an A+ for his research project about the possible impact self-driving cars on the need for driving qualifications.
Isabella Trigwell has enrolled in a Bachelor of Science (Honours) (Biotechnology) at Flinders University.
Isabella was Head Girl and Dux of the school at Samaritan College, Whyalla in 2020, where she also received the UniSA Whyalla Campus Award for Academic Excellence, the Eddie Hughes Award for Literary Analysis and Appreciation, and the Johnston Withers Lawyers Award for Excellence in Year 12 Legal Studies.
Isabella says her single father’s success as a software developer motivated her from a young age to pursue a future in STEM. She now aspires to a career in academia and hopes that by completing an Honours research project she can broaden scientific knowledge regarding the medical applications of biotechnology.
Isabella took immense pride in her involvement in the school community and says she aims to further develop her leadership skills at university. Her role as Head Girl challenged her to collaborate regularly with teachers, SRC members, and external organisations to coordinate events and fundraisers. She also had the opportunity to develop skills in public speaking.
The students were presented with their awards along with other scholarship recipients at the University of South Australia’s Pridham Hall on April 7.
Established in 1983 in honour of Sir Thomas Playford, SA’s longest-serving Premier, the Trust and its partners will provide more than $700,000 to support about 100 new and continuing university and TAFE students during 2021.
Congratulations to Renee Rees who was recently awarded Lead Teacher Certification by the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL) - the Cardijn College teacher was recognised at a ceremony held last month.
