Students celebrated at Country Education Foundation grant presentation evening

Fourteen students have shared in more than $61,000 to support their studies after the Country Education Foundation of the Namoi announced the latest recipients of education grants.

The students were celebrated at a presentation evening at The Crossing Theatre last week.

This year’s education grant recipients are Sarah Stiller (Bachelor of Veterinary Technology – Charles Sturt University), Bryony Allen (Bachelor of Animal Science – Charles Sturt University), Erin Flower (Certificate III in Performance Horse – TOCAL Agricultural College), May Krishna (Bachelor of Communication, Writing and Publishing – University of Technology Sydney), Alisha Conomos (Bachelor of Education, Secondary – University of Newcastle), Amelia Kiem (Bachelor of Education, Primary – University of Newcastle), Eric Reyes (Bachelor of Business – Victoria University), Ben Stiller (Bachelor of Agriculture – University of New England), Ella Charlton (Bachelor of Health and Medical Science – Charles Sturt University), Kaleb Biles (Apprenticeship in Carpentry – TAFE NSW), Emma Holmes (Bachelor of Agriculture/Bachelor of Business, University of New England), Rachel Charles (Bachelor of Veterinary Technology – Charles Sturt University), Charlotte Penberthy (Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science – Charles Sturt University) and Taylah Fogarty (Certificate IV Beauty Therapy – TAFE NSW ).

Amelia was the recipient of the McIlrath Resilience Scholarship and Bryony was the recipient of the McIlrath Scholarship.

Country Education Foundation of the Namoi chair Cara Stoltenberg congratulated the students on their success in receiving education grants and thanked the sponsors who make the financial support possible.

Sponsors were invited to present certificates to the recipients on the night.

“It’s humbling to be in a community that rallies around each other,” Mrs Stoltenberg said.

The Country Universities Centre was also part of the night, with manager Cathy Walters explaining the role of the Narrabri facility.

Past CEFN grant recipient April Squire, now a student using the CUC, spoke about what the foundation’s support meant for her as a student

“The Country Education Foundation saw potential in myself that I didn’t even know existed,” she said.

Past McIlrath Scholarship recipient Elsie Ford echoed similar sentiments.

Deputy mayor Darrell Tiemens, who provided the opening address, emphasised the importance of education.

Cr Tiemens encouraged scholarship recipients to look at Narrabri Shire to pursue their career or business opportunities.

Dylan Smith with Rachel Charles. Sponsors were invited to present certificates to recipients of education grants at the celebration held at The Crossing Theatre last week. Dylan Smith with Rachel Charles. Sponsors were invited to present certificates to recipients of education grants at the celebration held at The Crossing Theatre last week.

Cara Stoltenberg with Ben Stiller. Cara Stoltenberg with Ben Stiller.

Emma Holmes with deputy mayor Darrell Tiemens. Emma Holmes with deputy mayor Darrell Tiemens.

Wanda Dunnet with Ella Charlton. Wanda Dunnet with Ella Charlton.

Alisha Conomos with Mary-Ellen and Kevin Schwager. Alisha Conomos with Mary-Ellen and Kevin Schwager.

Mick Coffey with Sarah Stiller. Mick Coffey with Sarah Stiller.

Jo Morley with Kaleb Biles. Jo Morley with Kaleb Biles.

Amelia Kiem was the recipient of the 2023 McIlrath Resilience Scholarship. She is pictured with Prim and Michael Winston-Smith. Amelia Kiem was the recipient of the 2023 McIlrath Resilience Scholarship. She is pictured with Prim and Michael Winston-Smith.

Bryony Allen was the recipient of the McIlrath Scholarship. She is pictured with Prim and Michael Winston-Smith. Bryony Allen was the recipient of the McIlrath Scholarship. She is pictured with Prim and Michael Winston-Smith.