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Mary-Ellen Kusu Photo supplied: Robert Harris
Two Bowen State High School students are being recognised during NAIDOC Week after earning places in Indigenous university programs, giving the next generation of First Nations students a glimpse of what university can offer.
Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island Foundation (QATSIF) scholarship recipients Mary-Ellen Kusu and Kenzie Andersen were selected from a competitive field to attend winter schools at Bond University and James Cook University respectively.
"The girls have embraced the opportunity to explore university life,” said Bowen State High School Principal Robert Harris.
“Their willingness to leave home to attend these residential camps reflect their commitment to achieving their future goals.”
Mary-Ellen attended the 2026 National Indigenous Business School at Bond University on the Gold Coast, enabling her ability to develop a career while strengthening her cultural identity.
During this program, she took part in activity pitching ways to improve indigenous inclusion for the 2032 Olympic Games, where her team put together a winning performance.
Kenzie attended the JCU Indigenous Winter Program, participating in lectures and practical health workshops, including CPR, first aid and midwifery simulations. She achieved a perfect score on a nursing assignment, confirming nursing is the career she wants to pursue.
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