Newcastle and Hunter Region’s Mentor Support Network (MSN) will hold one of the highlights of its year when the organisation conducts its 2024 Educational Scholarship Presentation Ceremony on Thursday (9 May).
Chair of MSN, Julie Rich, said a total of 47 students, many with a refugee background, from local high schools and vocational or support institutions will be presented with certificates.
Julie said MSN was a volunteer organisation that provides scholarships for young students experiencing significant socio-economic difficulties or family challenges.
“The main aim of MSN is to provide a pathway where Hunter Region students experiencing those difficulties or challenges can reach their potential and complete their high school or vocational studies,” said Julie.
“MSN strives to remove inequality for students who have proven potential but who are held back by financial disadvantage.”
Details of the ceremony were:
Function: 2024 Educational Scholarship Presentation Ceremony
Date: Thursday 9 May
Time: 1.15pm
Venue: Newcastle Harness Racing Club, Broadmeadow (sponsor)
Julie said students from the following schools and organisations will receive scholarship certificates:
- Alesco College – Cooks Hill
- Callaghan Campus – Jesmond
- Cooks Hill Campus – Newcastle
- Hunter River High School
- Hunter Sports High School
- Hunter Trade College
- Job Quest
- Kotara High School
- Lake Macquarie High School
- Lambton High School
- Maitland High School
- Merewether High School
- St Francis Xavier’s College – Hamilton
- Zara’s House – Jesmond
Julie said 18 of the 47 students, all of whom are in senior high school or the final years of trade studies, have a refugee background and are from countries such as Afghanistan, Congo, Eritrea, Iran and Syria. She said family representatives of all students had been invited to the ceremony, as had school representatives and the organisation’s valued sponsors and donors without whose support MSN would not be able to offer its scholarship program.
“We are very fortunate to have great sponsors and supporters which enables MSN to provide scholarships to assist high school and other students who require a helping hand in their studies and education activities,” said Julie.
“MSN will be thanking its sponsors and supporters by presenting individual certificates as part of Thursday’s ceremony.”