The Kathleen Briscoe Tuition Scholarship is celebrating the 2020 graduation of its inaugural recipients, who were awarded their scholarships in 2015.

Set up in 2014 through the St Agnes’ Foundation, the Kathleen Briscoe Tuition Scholarship (KBTS) helps families facing difficult circumstances meet the cost of their children’s secondary education at St Agnes’ Catholic Parish colleges.

The scholarship honours the memory of Kathleen Briscoe who passed away in 2013. She was a lady of great faith who placed great importance on education. Kathleen sacrificed much to provide the best education for her children, knowing this would empower them to lead a rewarding and fulfilling life in their chosen careers.

Two of those graduating Year 12 students are Daniel Ward, who attended Mackillop College, and Lachlan Wright, who attended St Joseph’s Regional College.

Although Daniel is undecided what he will study after the HSC, he has worked hard throughout his senior years, placing first in Geography and achieving a MacKillop Community Service Award in his final year.

“I am hoping to achieve a good ATAR and am keeping my study options open. I am considering medicine or chemical engineering and have gained early entry to University for medicinal chemistry and environmental science,” Daniel said.

Debra Ward, Daniel’s mum, said she never found out who nominated Daniel for the scholarship.

“We are very grateful for the support Daniel received through the Scholarship, especially when challenges, such as family illness, came our way,” Mrs Ward said.

“The scholarship has enabled Daniel to receive an exceptional education. He has made the most of every opportunity afforded to him.”

“We are proud of the wonderful young man he has become. He has a bright future ahead, one I am sure he will use to make the world a better place,” she added.

Lachlan Wright is proud of his Aboriginal heritage and is keen to make the most of the educational opportunities the KBTS has enabled him to pursue.

“While I have wanted to be a physiotherapist since I was in primary school and have already gained early entry to study it locally at Charles Sturt University, I am also looking at options to study medicine in Sydney or Orange depending on my results,” Lachlan said.

Lachlan’s mum, Mary Ann Wright, is also deeply appreciative of the assistance Lachlan received over the years through the KBTS.

My husband and I recognised Lachlan’s ability and studious nature but realised that, if he was to achieve his potential, we would need a bit of help financially so we applied for the scholarship and he was fortunate to be a recipient,” Mrs Wright said.

“Despite several hardships including the Bushfires in 2019 and the pandemic this year, Lachlan has continued to reach for his goals,” Ms Wright.

I applaud and am so proud of my son, he has kept going, never complaining and now he has successfully completed Year 12 with the ‘St Joseph’s Regional College Quiet Achiever 2020’ Award to his name.”

‘The support we have received from the St Agnes’ and St Joseph’s Regional College communities means the world to us,” she concluded.

Anyone interested in continuing Kathleen’s legacy by contributing to future scholarship funds for students in need, the St Agnes’ Foundation gratefully accepts donations from those who are financially able to assist.

For more information please contact Parish Administration on 02 6588 7444.