Aviation management, biogeochemistry, engineering and mental health - these are just some of the areas of study being supported by the Blacktown City Council's 2023 Tertiary Scholarship Awards.
The annual program awards the outstanding academic performance of university students who live in Blacktown City and have completed at least one year of study at a recognised institution.
This year, Council awarded 12 students with $1,500 scholarships to assist them in their studies.
Blacktown City Mayor Tony Bleasdale OAM said the 12 students demonstrated exceptional dedication and talent in pursuit of their university studies.
"Council is proud to champion the diversity, talent and achievements of our university students as they pursue their chosen fields," Mayor Bleasdale said.
"We know that support from family, friends and the wider community is critical to success at university, therefore, Council is committed to helping local students achieve their academic goals.
"These students are highly-deserving recipients of these scholarships and I look forward to witnessing the contribution they will make to Blacktown City at the completion of their studies.
"I wish our scholarship recipients all the very best in their academic endeavours and future careers."
The recipient of the 2023 Anne Aquilina Scholarship is Nashrah Alam from Woodcroft, who is studying a Bachelor of Pharmacy at the University of Sydney
The scholarship is named in honour of Anne Aquilina, the popular Blacktown physiotherapist and academic and late wife of the first Mayor of Blacktown City Council, the Hon. John Aquilina.
Council received a large number of applications, with short-listed students assessed by an independent judging panel on the basis of their academic achievements and an interview.
Mayor Bleasdale thanked the judges for their commitment: "This program would not be possible without our judges: Ms Anne Marie Kestle, Dr Bill Palmer and Ms Nereda Illingsworth.
"These judges have given up so much of their time to ensure that this program continues to be a success."
Blacktown City Council's 2023 Tertiary Scholarship Award recipients:
• Vincent Aquino from Blacktown, studying a Bachelor of Business and a Bachelor of Laws, at the University of Technology Sydney
• Alyna Arago from Oakhurst, studying a Bachelor of Commerce, at the University of New South Wales
• Arien Andrei Atienza from Glendenning, studying a Bachelor of Science in Health and Human Movement, at the University of Sydney
• Morwarid Faiz from Mount Druitt, studying a Bachelor of Communication in Social and Political Sciences and a Bachelor of Laws, at the University of Technology Sydney
• Yovela Han from Kellyville Ridge, studying a Bachelor of Electrical Engineering and Bachelor of Laws, at the University of New South Wales
• Raquel Lafrenais from Tregear, studying a Certificate Four in Mental Health, at TAFE NSW
• Ebony O'Connor from Woodcroft, studying a Bachelor of Laws and International Studies, at Western Sydney University
• Frank Pagaduan from Blacktown, studying a Bachelor of Commerce and a Bachelor of Aviation Management, at the University of New South Wales
• Piadora Rahme from Mount Druitt, studying a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Science, majoring in Applied Medical Science, at the University of Sydney
• Bayan Sohailee from Schofields, studying a Bachelor of International Studies, Bachelor of Social Science and Bachelor of Creative Leadership, from Western Sydney University
• Melanie Taylor from Blacktown, who is completing her PhD in Biogeochemistry at Southern Cross University
Picture: Blacktown City Mayor Tony Bleasdale OAM with the recipients of Blacktown City Council's 2023 Tertiary Scholarship Awards.
