Midwife takes delivery of Rising Star scholarship

At an age when other teenagers would run a mile rather than be caught in a birthing suite, Burleigh’s Sally McConville is happily studying for a career as a midwife.

The 17-year-old, who completed high school at St Andrew’s Lutheran College last year, is in the first weeks of studying for a Bachelor of Midwifery through Southern Cross University at the Gold Coast campus.

The first from her family to attend university, Ms McConville is the recipient of a Summerland Credit Union Scholarship as part of Southern Cross University’s Rising Stars Scholarship and Prize Ceremony, at the Kirra Hill Community Centre today (March 21) from 11.30am.

“It’s (the scholarship) definitely made going to university a lot easier,” she said.

“I got into SCU with early entry and the day after I graduated from high school I found out about the scholarship, which was a really nice surprise.

“I am really enjoying the course so far and I’m sure I’ve made the right decision in studying midwifery. The work experience I did with a midwife was amazing. Already all my friends are saying that I will have to be their midwife when they have babies.”

A range of 22 scholarships and prizes are being presented today by the Gold Coast Head of campus Professor Kathleen Fahy. Master of ceremonies will be Southern Cross Business School Head of School Professor Steve Kelly.

Vice Chancellor Professor Peter Lee said he was pleased the University’s Scholarships program continued to receive support from donors.

“The Scholarships program recognises academic achievement, community involvement and leadership. The program also ensures members of our community can access a higher education despite financial or other disadvantages.

“These scholarships would not be possible without the generosity of individuals, organisations and charities across the University’s footprint. I welcome on board our new donors and extend my gratitude to our existing donors for their ongoing support.”

More than $460,000 worth of scholarships will be handed out through the SCU Scholarships program to 151 scholarship holders. There are 55 donors to the Rising Stars Scholarship program worth more than $380,000. Most scholarships are valued at $5000 per year but they range from $500 to $12,000. The scholarships are supported by a range of partners including businesses, community groups and trusts, each of who receive a donor appreciation certificate.

There are 21 Vice Chancellor Scholarships to be awarded across the three campuses including seven new scholarships and 14 continuing. Each scholarship is worth $5000 per year for up to five years.

Photo: Sally McConville.