Ballina Coast High School: Seven girls granted competitive scholarships

A group of young Ballina academic achievers, future sports stars and artists have scored highly competitive scholarships for their outstanding achievements. Meet the recipients.

Some of the students awarded scholarships.

A group of seven students from Ballina Coast High School have scored highly competitive scholarships for their academic achievements and determination.

The students earned the scholarships, some of which were national, for their hard work and consistent academic performance, according to the school.

The scholarships are aimed at helping the students achieve their lofty future goals.

The Ballina Coast High School scholarship recipients.

The scholarships will provide financial and academic support including: tutoring, school supplies, laptops, excursions, ongoing support and mentoring.

Here’s what the school had to say about the young high-achievers.

Phoenix-Raine Hippi – Year 11

Phoenix received the Pat Zinn Memorial Scholarship for her commitment and passion for sport at school.

“Phoenix has grown into an excellent student, who has participated in many extra-curricular activities, mentoring activities, The Amazing Race Ballina, numerous school sport teams and athletics,” relieving principal Lachlan Klose said.

“Phoenix is a positive role model for our younger generations. She has also maintained steady school results since entering high school with above average NAPLAN results, and has chosen to continue study into years 11-12 to obtain an ATAR.”

Phoenix’s sporting abilities have also seen her catch the eye of football scouts.

Ngkarla Orcher – Year 9

Hard worker Ngkarla won an Aboriginal Education Council Sports Scholarship.

“Ngkarla is an outstanding, polite young woman that has shown respect and maturity for her age considering the barriers she has had to go through with her studies,” Mr Klose said.

“Ngkarla has exceptional empathy and resilience that I feel are admirable characteristics.”

Kiesha Skimmings – Year 11

Kiesha is a friendly student who has shown academic improvement and the ability to work diligently towards achieving her goals, progressing in most subjects.

She is a talented netball player, who loves to dance and create Tik Tok videos.

Kiesha’s hard work has earned her a Public Education Foundation indigenous Scholarship.

“Kiesha has a goal to study early childhood and I feel this scholarship will continue to develop her self-esteem and provide much needed opportunities for her career aspirations,” Mr Klose said.

“Kiesha is also a respectful, kind, and delightful young woman who cares about others.”

Mattaya Martin Kelly – Year 12

Mattaya is an exceptional student who has been rewarded with the Public Education Foundation indigenous Scholarship.

“Mattaya is a proud Bundjalung student who is proud of her culture and stands tall in everything she does. This is evident in her schooling,” Mr Klose said.

“Mattaya consistently works hard in all areas of learning at school.”

Mattaya is in a school based traineeship and works and studies at TAFE one day a week.

“Mattaya is also a very resilient, mature and respectful, kind, young woman who is very considerate of others,” Mr Klose said.

Ballina Coast High School scholarships 2023.

Savannah Roberts-Hickling – Year 11

Savannah has earned the Andrew Casey Indigenous Scholarship.

She is a keen competitor with natural sporting ability and has represented Ballina Coast High School in many sporting events. Mr Klose said she stands out in everything she participates in.

Savannah is a proud young Bundjalung and Kamilaroi woman described as incredibly talented and an emerging star athlete and artist.

“Savannah is an awesome candidate and an inspiring young lady,” Mr Klose said.

“Savannah will be one to watch out for in the near future as footy scouts are already interested in her abilities.”

Hayley Roberts – Year 10

Hayley Roberts is currently in year 10 and aspires to complete her HSC. Hayley has gained the Public Education Foundation National Secondary Scholarship to help her achieve her goals.

Mr Klose said Hayley always gives “an outstanding effort” using her natural “sporting abilities”.

Hayley has represented the school in netball, rugby league, basketball and touch football.

Justine Bolt – Year 12

Justine is a polite and capable student who was awarded the Public Education Foundation Indigenous Scholarship.

“This scholarship will support her to achieve her goals and enhance her abilities to do so, proving support for her to successfully finish year 12 and/or obtain a traineeship,” Mr Klose said.

“Justine currently engages in a school-based traineeship that gives her an opportunity to work one day a week in a pharmacy, which she is enjoying immensely.”