Rotary makes Daynah’s future rosier

SECURING a $3000 university scholarship from an organisation in her home town has suddenly made the world look a lot better place for Grafton High School graduate Daynah Ots.

Daynah Ots, 18 - presented with the Frank Glasson Memorial Scholarship from Grafton Midday Rotary to help her with university studies. Photo Adam Hourigan / The Daily Examiner. Picture: Adam Hourigan

SECURING a $3000 university scholarship from an organisation in her home town has suddenly made the world look a lot better place for Grafton High School graduate Daynah Ots.

Ms Ots, 18, attended yesterday's Grafton Midday Rotary lunch at Roches Hotel to pick up the first $1500 of the Frank Glasson Memorial Scholarship.

For the past 12 years, the club has made the award to local students whose efforts to get to university might fall foul of financial or other problems.

Ms Ots had a tough 2013 when her family home was submerged when the Dundoo Creek broke its banks on February 23.

"The house was destroyed, the water came right up to the ceiling," Ms Ots said.

With the house destroyed, her mother moved to Tasmania and her dad, Darryl, is off to Western Australia to go gold prospecting.

Rather than follow her family, Ms Ots decided to follow her dream to become an art teacher.

"Ever since I was little I wanted to be an artist, or sell art, or become an art teacher," she said.

At the moment she is tossing up between courses available at Newcastle, Wollongong and Southern Cross universities.

"My first choice is Newcastle, then Wollongong," she said.

Ms Ots said the scholarship will make her feel a lot more secure getting accommodation and covering the costs of her education.

Scholarship coordinator Don Philbrook said the scholarship had been a good luck charm for its recipients.

"Over the years, every scholarship holder has gained their degree, done further degrees, and gained good jobs," he said.

Originally published as Rotary makes Daynah’s future rosier