More than a dozen public school students in western NSW have received scholarships at the 2024 Proudly Public! Awards night at Sydney Town Hall.
They are among more than 300 public school students and educators from across Australia to receive scholarships administered by the Public Education Foundation in 2024.
Since the launch of PEF’s scholarships program in 2009 3,218 students and more than 120 educators have been supported with more than $10 million in life-changing scholarships administered by the Foundation. Local award winners include:
• Ivy Mason and Luke Turner from Canowindra High School – Waratah Education Foundation Secondary Transition Scholarships
• Mia Rose Thurtell from Eugowra Public School – NSW Teachers Federation Primary Scholarship
• Aiden McMahon from Eugowra Public School – Waratah Education Foundation Primary Scholarship
NSW Department of Education Secretary Murat Dizdar said the scholarships could be a game changer for many students and change their life trajectory.
“Our world-class public education system empowers our students and can be an equaliser within our society – that’s why these scholarships are so important to our students who face disadvantage,” Mr Dizdar said.
Public Education Foundation (PEF) CEO David Riordan further emphasised that the awards celebrated scholarships that had the potential to “change lives”.
“Proudly Public! celebrates the best and brightest students and educators in our public school system,” Mr Riordan said.