Mentor Support Network (MSN) has paid recognition to its 2024 Educational Scholarship students at a special mid-year presentation ceremony.
A total of 47 students from 14 local high schools and colleges received certificates before a large audience at the Newcastle Harness Racing Club’s function centre (one of MSN’s sponsors) on May 9.
New Chair of MSN, Julie Rich, paid tribute to the students and wished them well in the senior years of their high school studies or trade courses and trusted the scholarships provided welcome support.
Julie also thanked MSN’s sponsors and donors without whom the scholarships would not be available and the many support teachers who assisted the students during the 12-month term of their scholarship.
The students, most of whom entered Year 11 this year, are from the following schools, colleges and organisations:
- 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 students had a refugee background from countries such as Afghanistan, Congo, Eritrea, Iran and Syria.
Our special guest speakers for the ceremony were Dale Garbutt, a school EAL/D
Community Liaison Officer who spoke about the work of support teachers in helping students with scholarship commitments (a different perspective from a student) and Sharon Smith from Zeal Futures (a long term sponsor that has just changed its name from Hunter Valley Training Company as it has expanded into other states) who spoke about the importance of companies being involved in community activities and initiatives.
One of the students who received a 2024 Educational Scholarship was Kaiden Smith, 17, who is studying for his Certificate II in Automotive Servicing Technology at Hunter Trade College at Telarah.
Kaiden said his scholarship allowed him to help himself to a better future.
“It has given me the drive to better myself and focus on my potential,” said Kaiden who is enjoying his first year at Hunter Trade College.
He has used part of his scholarship funds to purchase a toolbox for the equipment he requires for the course.