Students from Regional Queensland Give Thanks

An endowed scholarship was established in 2006 by the Sisters of Mercy in Queensland to honour Sister Catherine McAuley, founder of the Sisters of Mercy, and in recognition of the predecessor college McAuley College.

Aaron Brown and Eloise Biggin were recently announced as the 2016 recipients of the Catherine McAuley Scholarship. At the award ceremony held in Brisbane on Tuesday 24 May, Aaron delivered the Vote of Thanks (VOT) on behalf of all the recipients.  Aaron moved 1000kms to Brisbane to study a Bachelor of Teaching/Bachelor of Arts (Humanities).   He believes that “regional students should have as many opportunities as their city counterparts” and he wants to be part of their journey.  Aaron spoke about his dream of becoming a teacher to make a difference in the lives of regional children.

Sr Catherine Reuter, Aaron Brown and Sr Mary Pescott

Sr Catherine Reuter, Aaron Brown and Sr Mary Pescott

 

Eloise also comes from regional Queensland and applied for the scholarship to assist with reducing the financial burden of accommodation and textbooks. During her year twelve studies Eloise worked with primary school students with disabilities, made charitable contributions of time and resources to the St Vincent de Paul Society and coordinated the inaugural “Positive Young Women” seminar. Eloise selected the Bachelor of Occupational Therapy program to continue her passion of helping those with disabilities. 

Sr Catherine Reuter, Eloise Biggin and Sr Mary Pescott

Sr Catherine Reuter, Eloise Biggin and Sr Mary Pescott

Both Aaron and Eloise were outstanding examples of the scholarship criteria which requests evidence of the applicant's involvement and/or leadership in community service through activities designed to create a more just, merciful and sustainable world.

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