Two Wagga students have put Wagga on the map academically by being selected for the Tuckwell Scholarship at The Australian National University (ANU).
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Chloe Harpley, Wagga High and Samuel Bannister, Kooringal High will begin to receive the scholarship, worth $100,000, when they commence study next year.
Chloe hopes to study a double degree in arts and law which will take five years to complete.
“The degree brings together areas in a passionate about,” she said.
“This scholarship is an enabler, it’s going to enable me to pursue my passion.”
Sam is also planning on tackling a five year double degree but in the fields of law and international relations.
“I want to make a difference, it makes me sad to see conflict,” Sam said.
He believes Canberra is a great location for him because he can make contacts while completing his study.
The scholarship is worth $22,000 a year for the duration of their degree plus ongoing academic and career mentoring.
“It is so generous and I am incredibly thankful,” Sam said.
However, acceptance into the scholarship program doesn’t guarantee a position at the university or even the scholarship.
All students accepted still need to produce a ATAR of 95 or above.
While you would think this would be a massive stresser Sam is aiming for the grade anyway while Chloe feels it is more of an encouragement.
Being selected in the first place was no small feat with a lengthy application process selecting 25 from a pool of 742 applicants.
Stage two of the process narrowed that number to 244 the 75 were chosen for interviews where finally 25 were awarded the scholarship.
During the final stage 75 students had to travel to Canberra and take part in a full day of interviews both in groups and individually.
“Less than three percent of applicants are accepted so to have two from Wagga is phenomenal,” Chloe said.
Wagga High principal, Mick Powell said Chloe and Samuel should be an inspiration to all young people studying in Wagga Wagga.
“They demonstrate that our students can achieve to the highest echelons and stand with the best students in Australia,” he said.
Kooringal High Principal, Glyn Leyshon was thrilled with the students selection.
“This demonstrates the high calibre of students we educate at our local public schools,” Mr Leyshon said.
The scholarship was established in 2013 when ANU alumnus Graham Tuckwell and his wife Louise donated $50 million.
Those selected are considered to be Australia’s brightest students with the ability to give back to the community.