The makings of a Stella career
In 2007, Stella Merson (pictured above) was in Year 4 at Mornington Primary School when her teacher helped her apply for an Education Foundation Opportunity Scholarship. Stella had a passion for writing and dreamed of becoming an author.
“I like to record my experiences in life,” said the 10 year-old in her original application. “I keep a journal and write about people I have met, places I have been and my thoughts about things real or not. I can write in different genres and know how to construct a good story.”
Asked about her aspirations, she responded: “To be something like my favourite authors – J.K. Rowling, C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien, Enid Blyton, Paul Jennings and Jackie French. I want to write stories and books that might influence people’s opinions, and have a useful life in publishing.”
Stella was one of 125 fortunate students to receive an Opportunity Scholarship that year. The $250 she received went towards training and materials to help her achieve her learning goal of becoming a published author. Last year, Stella took a big step towards that goal when she compiled and printed her very own collection of writings, Stella’s Primary Works. FYA was thrilled to receive a copy of the book in April this year and was reminded of the huge difference a small scholarship can make to the education of young Australians.
“My time at Mornington Primary School has been such a wonderful learning experience,” Stella says at the end of her new book. “I am proud to share my early writings with everybody who has nurtured and supported me, and I hope you had as much fun reading the stories as I did writing them.”
We sure did Stella. Congratulations to you and all your teachers at Mornington Primary School.
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Opportunity Scholarships provide talented, disadvantaged students with financial support that makes a real difference in their lives. The scholarships – up to $1,000 per student – enable deserving students like Stella to pursue their dreams by purchasing equipment and resources or to undertake school-approved and curriculum-related programs and activities.
The Opportunity Scholarships program is made possible only through the wonderful generosity of supporters like the Newman’s Own Foundation, the Portland House Foundation, The Allandale Foundation, Australian School Canteen Association, and many, many wonderful individuals. With their support, Opportunity Scholarships will support close to 150 young people in 2010.
