High school students have the world at their feet and as ambitions begin to soar, so too can the cost of education.
Whilst scholarships provide fantastic financial support, Sarina local Josie Dahtler discovered that they can also be a catalyst for a bright future, receiving the first ever Community Bank Sarina Bendigo Bank Senior Schooling Scholarship at Sarina State High School (SSHS) in 2017.
The former SSHS student has always been a strong believer in ‘giving it a shot’, saying she applied for the scholarship to ease the financial strain of study but gained so many more benefits.
“The scholarship introduced me to a world of networking opportunities whilst at high school and provided a huge boost to my personal and professional development,” she said.
Wanting to earn and learn locally after finishing Grade 12, she felt empowered to continue her studies and enrolled in a Bachelor of Science at CQUniversity online.
Soon after finishing High School, she was successful in attaining a position that became available at Community Bank Sarina as a Customer Service Officer, fueling her love of being involved in the local area.
“The local community has always held a place close to my heart, so I saw the job at the bank as the perfect opportunity to work and study locally.”
Josie has continued to enjoy a fulfilling role at the bank for four years and celebrated finishing her degree this July. She said she feels excited to see where her job and her degree will take her.
Community Bank Sarina Deputy Chair and Chair of Business and Engagement Maree Franettovich said Josie’s scholarship success story is both encouraging and motivating to current Grade 10 SSHS students, who can apply for a 2024 Senior Schooling Scholarship until September 8.
“We congratulate Josie on her success and her experience is a wonderful example of the investment in your future that a scholarship can provide,” she said.
Scholarships are a transformative tool for developing the diverse pool of talent in students and we encourage students to apply, using the application process as a learning opportunity as well.”
Josie said current SSHS students had nothing to lose by applying, so she encouraged them to give it a go.
“It is a great scholarship that can open so many doors in both the schooling and professional world. You won’t regret it,” she said.
Applications for the Sarina State High Senior Schooling Scholarships are open to students entering Grade 11 in 2024. SSHS students may request an information pack from executive@sarinacommunity.com.au and submit their application by September 8.
