HOME Hill High graduate Kimberley Bourke has started her journey toward being a teacher with the help of a scholarship from Home Hill Community Bank Branch.
Kimberly was chosen from a field of 15 applicants for the annual scholarship, which helps first-year university students on their path to tertiary education with a $10,000 bursary.
Home Hill Community Bank Branch chairman Darren West said the bank was pleased to be able to help another local student overcome the financial hurdles of further study and reach their goals.
“Kimberley is our third recipient of this scholarship and was chosen because of her academic achievements, community involvement and dedication,” Mr West said.
“She is very deserving of this scholarship and will be a fine ambassador for the Home Hill community,” he said.
Kimberley, who will study for a Bachelor of Education degree at James Cook University of North Queensland Townsville Campus said she was thrilled to be able to start university with the financial security a scholarship provided.
“I can’t wait to get started and work towards my goal of being the best possible teacher that I can be,” she said.
“This scholarship means I will be able to focus on my studies more and worry less about the costs of living away from home.”
Mr West said the scholarship program highlighted the company’s ongoing commitment to supporting local youth and building stronger communities.
“Our young people are our future and their development is critical to the success of our community.
“Many students in Home Hill have big dreams for their future careers and we’re hoping that with the right support they might be able to bring those skills back to their hometown one day.”
The Home Hill Community Bank Scholarship is part of the Bendigo and Adelaide Bank Scholarship Program, which is one of the largest privately funded scholarship programs in Australia.
This year the program awarded more than 206 scholarships, worth a total of $1.4 million, to students across Australia.
For more information about the Bendigo and Adelaide Bank Scholarship Program, visit www.bendigoadelaide.com.au/scholarships.