Grant to give girls’ schooling a boost

TWO North Queensland teens have received a lifechanging scholarship worth more than $20,000 to help them stay and excel in school.

Sehanna Woods from Kirwan State High School and Sophie Robinson from Ayr State High School have received the scholarships, with both having to overcome their own issues to succeed at school.

The scholarships are awarded to girls with high potential who experience low socioeconomic circumstances through the Harding Miller Education Foundation.

Executive director Cara Varian says the scholarships provide the girls with a new laptop, high-speed internet connections, tutoring, career guidance and support to help cover the costs of uniforms, books and school expenses.

Sehanna said the scholarship would help her be the first person to go to university in her family.

“The fact that my family experienced many challenges in the past three years has really shaped me,” she said. “Our family size went from four to 11 when all of my cousins had to come and live with us, because their mums were in jail.

“As the oldest, this impacted me because I had to take on a whole new set of responsibilities. But I am hoping this scholarship will lead me into medical school because after high school I wish to be a surgeon.”

Sophie said the grant would help her achieve her dreams.

“I live on a cane farm, approximately 40 minutes away from my school,” she said. “Even though my parents work tireless hours trying to make a profit from our farm, low commodity prices mean hardly any profit is made.

“Because I live in a rural area I am denied the same opportunities as other kids in urban and metro areas.

“I believe the Harding Miller Scholarship will empower me and allow me to achieve my aspirations and goals.”