Current University Scholars
Jake Pridan
2024 University Scholar
Jake Pridan grew up in Stawell and attended school locally. In 2017, Jake’s academic prowess was recognised with the Stawell Rotary Club Award for Academic Achievement. His passion for continuous learning is evident in his active pursuit of knowledge in both sports and academia.
Jake will be studying a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering at Deakin University and wishes to utilise his degree to make a meaningful impact on his rural community.
With a keen focus on addressing challenges related to water access and sanitation, especially during times of drought, Jake envisions contributing to sustainable solutions that enhance the well-being of those around him.
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Kady Paton
2024 University Scholar
Kady grew up in Shepparton and attended high school locally.
An exemplary leader, Kady served as the school captain, where her responsibilities included hosting school tours, participating in board meetings, and organising events such as the talent show.
Her dedication to academic excellence is evident through her consecutive receipt of the “Academic Excellence Award” for two years running, as well as her recognition with the “Science Learning Area Award.” Additionally, Kady secured second place in the prestigious “Dreamtime Stories Writing Competition” organised by Goulburn Valley Water.
Beyond her scholastic achievements, Kady finds joy in activities such as painting, baking, and practicing yoga during her leisure time. Driven by a desire to reconnect with her Wiradjuri heritage, Kady is committed to deepening her cultural understanding and aims to share her knowledge with others.
The Bachelor of Science Dentistry that Kady is undertaking has a focus on health needs, policy and service, and will allow her to undergo placement in regional clinics. She plans on becoming a rural dentist and practise in Bendigo or Shepparton.
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Floss Haughie
2024 University Scholar
Floss Haughie is from the Creswick area and attended school in Daylesford. Floss’ notable achievements include a nomination for Young Person of the Year in Hepburn Shire in 2022, a testament to their significant impact on the Daylesford community. Their involvement in initiatives such as the ACE Youth Strategy Program and the Daylesford Chillout Festival exemplifies Floss’ dedication to fostering community connections.
In 2018, Floss was honoured with an Arts Scholarship, providing them with a platform to immerse themselves in their passion for art throughout their high school years.
Looking forward, Floss aspires to further their artistic journey by pursuing a Bachelor of Arts at RMIT.
With a focus on education and meaningful conversation, Floss envisions creating services that resonate with rural youth, utilising their artistic and creative talents to cultivate and enhance youth engagement.
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Ariel Hudson-Halford
2024 University Scholar
Ariel grew up on the border of Victoria and New South Wales and attended school in Wodonga. She has been heavily involved in school and community theatre productions, taking on roles as Musical Director and Assistant Director in several projects.
Providing support for her family in a variety of ways, Ariel has become extremely resilient in the face of adversity. Ariel will be the first in her family to attend university and will begin studying a Bachelor of Arts in Melbourne in 2024.
Ariel would like to continue her studies and complete a Postgraduate degree in teaching, bringing her love for music back to the Albury/Wodonga region. Inspired by her own music teacher, Ariel wants to give that kind of support to other young people from the regions.
Congratulations, Ariel!
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Xander Gragasin
2024 University Scholar
| Xander Gragasin grew up in Stawell and attended the local secondary school. Xander has received awards in sport and athletics, as well as receiving a place in the Kwong Lee Dow’s Young Scholars Program. In 2023, Xander was offered a place in a first-year university course at Latrobe University through CHES, giving him the chance to experience university study.
Xander is a born performer, playing music in local community centres around Victoria and the Phillipines. Xander is also a lover of sport, participating in local running clubs, and kickboxing classes. Xander aspires to complete a Bachelor of Criminology, with the goal of returning to rural Victoria to provide affordable legal services in his area. |
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Joseph Lehman
2024 University Scholar
Jospeh Lehman grew up in Hamilton and attended school locally. Joseph exemplifies leadership and love of sport, taking on roles as school captain, sports captain, basketball captain, football captain, basketball coach and Auskick coach.
He has been recognised through various awards including the Southern Grampians Youth Achievement award; Lions Club Citizenship and Service Award; and the Australian Defence Force, Long Tan Youth Leadership and Teamwork Award.
Joseph is studying a Bachelor of Education at university with the goal to contribute back to regional and rural Victoria through his leadership as an educator. He also hopes to coach Aussie rules and basketball in the regions.
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Katherine Wagner
2024 University Scholar
Katherine Wagner grew up in Byrneside and attended school in Kyabram.
Katherine is heavily involved in her community. She volunteers with Girl Guides Australia as a unit leader; and Country Women’s Association where she has been a member since she was seven years old. In 2018 she received the Greater Shepparton City Council’s Young Citizen of the Year Award for her outstanding leadership responsibility and fundraising efforts.
Katherine has also received the Fred Hollows Humanitarian Award, Carer’s Victoria Young Carer Award, and many awards within her Girl Guides unit for leadership and personal development.
Katherine is undertaking a Double Degree in Law & Global Studies at Monash University. Looking to the future, Katherine plans to use everything she has learned as a leader and through tertiary studies within the regional community. She wants to create strong and influential relationships with the people in her community who matter most.
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Will Usher-Clarke
2024 University Scholar
Will Usher-Clarke grew up in Beechworth and attended the local secondary college. During high school, Will was an active leader, participating as a year 8 peer mentor, Model UN member, and a BSC candidate in the Kwong Lee Down Young Scholars Program.
In 2024, Will is undertaking a Bachelor of Science at Monash University. He wants to utilise the skills gained from a degree to come back into the regions to assist as a healthcare professional, improving rural healthcare in Victoria.
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Kayla Humphrey
2024 University Scholar
Kayla Humphrey grew up in the Bass Coast area and attended Bass Coast College. During school, Kayla has been a student leader, sports captain, and peer support leader; helping to conduct a range of fundraisers and events. Kayla participated in the Gippsland Student Leadership Network, where she worked with students from other Gippsland schools to create a Facebook Buy Swap and Sell aiming due reduce waste of school necessities.
Kayla has received awards for her academic performance, including several Academic Excellence Awards, the Sandy Shively Memorial Art Award, Kwong Lee Dow Young Scholars Program, ADF Future Innovators Award, and a Watersure Scholarship.
Kayla is very connected to her hometown of Pioneer Bay and wants to give back to her rural community in the future. In 2024 she is pursuing a science degree which she feels is a less represented pathway in regional and rural Victoria.
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Milla Searle
2024 University Scholar
Milla Searle attended Ouyen P-12 College, where she was year 11 SRC president. Within this role she coordinated events and oversaw the committee. In year 12 she took on roles as House, Debating and Bus Captain, allowing her to develop leadership and communication skills. On a community level, Milla is an avid netballer, and assisted her local club with their Net Set Go program.
Milla in quite the all-rounder, having received Lions Club Youth of the Year for public speaking in 2022, as well as awards and recognition in debating, film and sport.
In 2024, Milla is undertaking Bachelor of Laws (Honours) at La Trobe University. Looking to the future, Milla aspires to provide legal representation for rural and regional Victorians and their communities, and believes that someone’s postcode, education level or cultural background shouldn’t present a barrier to receiving fair and equal justice.
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Molly Davies
2024 University Scholar
Molly Davies grew up in Creswick and attended school in Ballarat. Molly is an active community member, acting as netball captain for Newlyn FNC’s under 17 side, tutoring children from refugee backgrounds, and volunteering as a junior netball coach.
Molly is fantastic leader and received the ADF Long Tan Youth Leadership Award and Teamwork Award in recognition her demonstrated leadership within her school and local community.
Molly aspires to utilise her studies in Occupational Therapy to create a healthier and happier community in the regional towns she services at the end of her degree. Using the skills gained in her degree, Molly wants to organise sport events and health and wellness workshops for regional and rural Victorian towns.
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Tiahna Friend
2023 University Scholar
| Tiahna Friend is an exceptional community leader, with a passion for developing skills in the young people she works with. Additionally, Tiahna has proven her commitment to her studies, approaching them with a consistent work ethic, enthusiasm and a positive attitude, which has seen her excel academically.
While Tiahna has loved her rural education, she acknowledges the disparity of education opportunities between the country and city. Now having completed VCE, and the rural chapter of her education, Tiahna intends to study a Bachelor of Nursing. |
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Orlando Dabner
2023 University Scholar
Orlando Dabner was Dux of Woodmans Hill Secondary College, Ballarat. He is studying a double honours degree in Law and Engineering at Monash University.
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Friend Kighoma
2023 University Scholar
Friend Kighoma attended Wodonga Senior Secondary College and has shared her story on ABC Heywire. She is now studying Communications at Deakin College in Burwood.
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Berenice Walsh
2023 University Scholar
Berenice Walsh is an exceptional community leader whose contribution to both the school and local community are to be commended. Despite the challenges of the last few years, Berenice has continued to demonstrate her outstanding leadership abilities as College Captain and a founding member of the North Central LLEN’s Youth Advisory Group.
Additionally, Berenice has proven her commitment to her studies, and has worked diligently to excel academically.
Now having completed VCE, and the rural chapter of her education, Berenice intends to study a Bachelor of Biomedicine.
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Angelina Mason
2023 University Scholar
Angelina was a highly regarded student leader within her school and balanced her schooling with part-time work and involvement within the music and performance scene in the local community. In Year 10 Angelina was chosen to be one of the leaders of multicultural inclusion. She was also House Vice Captain and House Captain. She is a duty manager at work and was a strong contributor at our recent Young Rural Leaders program.
Now having completed VCE, Angelina has enrolled in a Bachelor of Science and her goal is to become a doctor. Angelina, intends to return to a regional area to give back to the community. With her consistent involvement within the community, Angelina sees the need for highly trained and community minded individuals to provide a broad ranging support in the medical field in a regional area. She is keen to contribute to a rural community in a practical way and through supporting local businesses, events and organisations.
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Conor Pall
2022 University Scholar
| Conor grew up in Mildura and was the vice-captain of Mildura Senior College in 2021. He has won numerous awards including a Dante Alighieri Italian Poetry award, College Spirit Award, a Performing Arts award and was the Dux of Business Management and English at Mildura Senior College in 2020. He was also the recipient of the Community Sprit Scholarship at TLC.
Conor is the first member of his family to attend university to study Bachelor of Social Work and has a ‘never give up’ attitude. He was a member of the Mildura Youth Parliament team for 2021, and organised Mildura’s School ‘Strike4Climate’ in May 2021. He also attends and volunteers at his local Youth Group (CHOSEN Youth). He prioritises home and school responsibilities with working part time. Growing up in Mildura, he has a strong sense of community and a desire to advocate for social change to improve the lives of rural and regional Victorians – more specifically the youth of regional Victoria and has a passion for human rights. |
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Jasmine Van Der Molen
2022 University Scholar
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Tameka Lougoon |
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| Tameka grew up in Bendigo and attended Bendigo Senior Secondary College. She is currently studying a Bachelor of Design and a Bachelor of Information Technology at Monash University. In the future she hopes to help provide knowledge and empower those who are restricted due to factors such as location, socio-economic status and gender. Tameka is passionate about advocating for an equal society for all. | ||
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Chloe Jones
2022 University Scholar
| During her primary and secondary school years, Chloe was supported by Ganbina. It was here that she was accepted into a leadership program that presented her with many opportunities, including traveling around Australia and local areas, to learn about leadership from a variety of groups and organisations. Through this experience, Chloe developed exceptional leadership skills, which she has since demonstrated by hosting awards nights and speaking at various meetings and conferences within her community.
Chloe is a hard working, compassionate and resilient community leader. She currently operates a small business providing educational services based on Indigenous Australian culture and contemporary Indigenous art. Chloe runs workshops within her community that cater to a range of age groups. She works closely with her local Indigenous art gallery and recently led the development of an impressive mural. Chloe plans to complete a Bachelor of Arts at Monash University. After she has completed her studies, she will use her skills to expand her business and offer more services and support to her community. Chloe is also passionate about supporting Indigenous youth and hopes to assist them in gaining access to skills, education, and building their confidence to be great leaders within their communities. |
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Sarsha Layton
2022 University Scholar
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Kayla Walker |
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| Kayla is originally from Stawell and is studying a Bachelor of Early Childhood and Education (Birth to Five Years) at Australian Catholic University. Kayla had the amazing opportunity to represent her local community and Australia in 2018 at a summer camp in Bejing and has spent time volunteering at a specialist school. After helping raise two disabled siblings, this year she has also become a mental health advocate. With a strong passion for the provision of more services for rural and regional towns to support young people, families and people who have disabilities access essential services, Kayla is also dedicated to helping inspire young people from disadvantaged backgrounds to focus on their educational dreams and to not give up or let anything get in their way! | ||
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Victoria Biggs
2022 University Scholar
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John Nghiem
2022 University Scholar
| John grew up in Mildura and is looking forward to commencing his Bachelor of Science/Master of Teaching (Secondary) at Deakin Burwood. John is an avid learner and has a positive influence amongst his peers. He was School Captain at Trinity Lutheran College (TLC) in Year 6 and again in Year 10. He was also the School Captain in Year 12 at Mildura Senior College and extensively involved in the Student Representative Council and in all aspects of the community.
He was the captain of multiple sport teams such as volleyball and soccer and participated and represented his school in numerous sports. John volunteered his time to referee games for his local volleyball association. He also volunteered at school events such as Deutschfest, Open Day, various fundraisers, ANZAC day memorial service, and musical productions. He has also put his hand up to lead group projects and was nominated to lead his group in Sydney’s Urban Challenge and took an active role in Australian Business Week. John received the Australian Defence Force Long Tan Leadership and Teamwork Award for his demonstrated leadership and teamwork within his school and broader local community. He is self-driven and self-directed and like many people his age, juggles many commitments, school, sport, friends and family. John believes that teachers have the job to shape future generations. His goal is to become a great teacher and role model who inspires others and motivates them to reach their full potential. |
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Former University Scholars
2021
- Tameka Lougoon – Bendigo – Information Technology
- Matthew O’Flynn – Numurkah – Science
2020
- Lacie Pridan – Stawell – Biomedical Engineering – RMIT
- Raihana Hashimi – Mildura – Science – Monash University
- Jo Amber Dennis – Smythesdale – Bachelor of Medical Science – Deakin University
- Corey-James Jackson – Yackandandah – Science – Monash University
- Amelia Hunt – Bendigo – Bachelor of Laws/Global Studies – Australian Catholic University
- Emily Brown – Bendigo – Early Childhood
2019
- Marwa Ahmed – Shepparton – Biomedicine – LaTrobe University Bundoora
- Tayyebah Ali – Shepparton – Biomedicine – Monash University Clayton
- Julia Clugston – Stawell – B Arts Journalism/Professional Writing & Editing Swinburne University Hawthorn
- Elissa Jess – Stawell – B Arts/ Health Sciences, Latrobe University Bundoora
- Klodi Ward – Mansfield – B Nursing & Midwifery, La Trobe University Bendigo
2018
- Jakalyn Cooper – Warrnambool – B Sci – University of Melbourne
- Joe Collins – Tyrell – B Ag/Tech – Latrobe University
2017
- Phillip Panagiotaros – Mildura – B Mech Eng/B Sci – Monash University
- Georgia Lee – Birchip – B Physiotherapy – Latrobe University
- Leon Polychronopoulos – Bendigo – B Pharmacy – Monash University
2016
- Laura Bland – Yarram – B Sci – University of Melbourne
- Shanika Jones – Valencia Creek – B Nursing – Deakin University
- Georgia Rokicki – Upper Yarra – B Arts – Deakin University
- Mitch Collins – Stawell – B Law/B International Studies – Deakin University
2014
- Sharon Robinson – Beechworth – B Ed Spec Ed – Latrobe
- Hussain Alamein – Shepparton – B Biomed – University of Melbourne
- Annika Miesen – Bacchus Marsh – BHPE- Federation University
- Laura Dixon – Horsham – B Com – Deakin
2013
- Jake Bray-Butler – Bright – MB BS – Monash
- Molly Watchorn – Ballarat – B Sci – University of Melbourne
- Anna Farrelly-Rosch – Morrisons – B Biomed – University of Melbourne
2012
- Cassandra Roberts – Manangatang – BHS MSW – LaTrobe
- Jacob Chacko – Benalla – B Sci/LLB – Monash
- Stuart Lloyd – Edenhope – B Comp Sci – Monash
2011
- Roy Hammond-Thomas – Trafalgar – BA – University of Melbourne
- Courtney Boyd – Ouyen – BHS M Physio – LaTrobe
- Rachael Tharratt – Lurg – BA – University of Melbourne
2015
- Claire Oakley – Portland – B Sci/B Ed – Federation University
- Whitney James – Benalla – B Biomed – Monash
- Charmarelle McCarroll – Mortlake – B Biomed – ACU Melbourne
- Jennifer Moss – Tatyoon – B Psych – Federation University
- Kate Maddern – Kaniva – BScAdv (Global Challenges) – Monash
- Jarvis Holt – Kurraca – B Comms (Media) – Swinburne
- Nicholas Young – Warrnambool – BA/LLB – Monash
Rural Chances Vocational Scholars
2024
- Asher Whitehand – Diploma of Agriculture
- Jade DuVe – Diploma of Nursing
- Bug Taylor – Certificate IV in Music
- Noah Clarke – Diploma of Sport
- Regan Budd – Certificate IV Agriculture
- Bailey Hooper-Dixon – Certificate III Building
- Cooper Allan – Certificate III Agriculture
- Cooper Bartlett – Diploma of Nursing
- Cooper Waller – Certificate III Electrical
- Darcy Barnes – Certificate III Electrical
- Dmitry Tolmachev – Associate Diploma Agriculture
- Genevieve Callinan – Certificate IV Electrical
- Georgia Smith – Certificate IV Plumbing
- Jacob Olive – Certificate III Electrical Linesman
- Lachlan Gifford – Certificate III Individual Support
- Lucas Kell – Certificate III Electrical
- Mitchell Ey – Certificate III Mechanical Technician
- Sol Monty Kelly – Certificate III Diesel Mechanic
- Wilson Grundy – Diploma of Conservation and Ecosystem Management
- Thomas Harcourt – Certificate IV Agriculture
- William Allan – Certificate IV Agriculture
2023
- Asa Carter – Cookery
- Maddison Smeekes – Certificate III Hospitality
- Lateisha Adams – Animal Studies
- Mikala Deckert – Retail Butchery
- Amity Smith – Agribusiness
- Murphy Leach – Electrical Trade
- Will Toose – Electrical Trade
- Gretta Gleeson – Agriculture
- Ezekiel Gage – Carpentry
- Jake Lawrence – Plumbing
- Amelia Leach – Certificate IV Government
- Billy Smith-Allen – Electrical Trade
- Aadarsh Deo – Design (Architecture)
- Siale Pitson – Agribusiness
- Mia Ferlauto – Early Childhood Education
- Montanna Stevens – Vet Nursing
- Charlee Hewlett – Hospitality
- Jasmine Scott – Hairdressing
- Alyce Osmond – Certificate IV Disability
- Demi Brand – Nursing
- Kaia Thomas-Hepp – Dance
- Joel Atkinson – Electrotechnology
2022
- Jake Beggs – Welding Fabrication
- Shayla Carlson – Animal Studies
- Taylah Clements – Community Service
- Gillian Jessup – Early Learning
- Tristan Roberts – Mechanics
- Karly Robinson – Nursing
- Tarneisha Ryan – Early Childhood
- Georgie Simpson – Animal & Pet Grooming
- Zoe Smith – Nursing
- Dylan Watson – Photography
- Sydnei Wright – Nursing
- Amber Zuidema – Baking
2021
- William Parry – Information, Digital Media & Technology
- Paw Eh Nee – Education Support
- Jayden Lawrence – Personal Training
- Dylan Jenkins – Information, Digital Media & Technology
- Paw Ku Htee – Nursing
- Travis Dunkley – Cabinet Making
- Caitlyn Anderson – Photography & Photo Editing
- Liam Price – CCNA/CCNP/CCIE Certificates and Training
- Abby MacDonald – Agribusiness Management
- Rebecca Flack – Nursing
- Sophie Holt – Horticulture
- Paris Linares-Spillman – Commercial Cookery & Patisserie
- Keelan Perry – Diesel Mechanics
2020
- Liaqat Ahmadi – Business Administration
- Riley Atkinson – Electrotechnology, Electrician
- Tameka Bickford – Photography
- Jedd Bynon – Engineering, Fitter
- Jade Canfield – Graphic Design
- Shauna Cox – Early Childhood Education and Care
- Flynn Grace – Engineering, Fabrication
- Isabella Grace – Agribusiness, Farming
- Nathaniel Holmes-Brown – Carpentry
- Julia Hunt – Early Childhood Education and Care
- Carly Isaac – Plumbing
- Charlotte Lawler – Agribusiness, Farming
- Teale Mott – Beauty Therapy
- Siahna Newland – Event Management
- Charles Patullo – Carpentry
- Thomas Pollard – Automotive
- Miranda Rose – Agribusiness, Farming
- Levi Sims – Shearing
- Maxwell Stavely – Automotive
- Luke Stephensen – Automotive
- Koby Westerland – Electrotechnology, Electrician
- Bahlin Wishart
2019
- Asha Tuohey – Veterinary Nursing
- Britney Robinson – Commercial Cookery
- Caitlyn Anderson – Photography
- Drew McClelland – Engineering / Fabrication
- Emily Hill – Accounting
- Emily Barnes – Commercial Cookery
- Kayde Taylor – Health Services
- Mathew Thompson – Plumbing
- Mikayla Barwick – Dental Assisting
- Nathaniel Holmes-Brown – Building
- Jake Flavel – Electrotechnology
- Jamielee Kurth – Plumbing
- Tahlia Beecroft – Accounting & Bookkeeping
- Madeleine Kinghorn – Health Practices
2018
- Alexander Newling – Automotive
- Amber Finch – Interior Decoration
- Evan Dorrington – Building
- Grace Simpson – Plumbing
- Jordan Gee – Construction
- Kaelen Suggate – Aeroskills
- Nick Read – Auto-Mechanics
- Regan Hill – Collision Repair
- Rhordan Holt – Mechanical Engineering
- Siobhan Daws – Justice
2017
- Alice Maddern – Individual Support
- Maddy Andrew – Animal Studies
- Allie Gorman – Commercial Cookery
- Emily McErvale – Agribusiness
- Katelyn McPherson – Agribusiness
- Blake Hardingham – Information Technology
- Pearce Watling – Agriculture
