Chelsea O’Connor and Meah Davis win $20,000 academic scholarships

Two of Nanango State High School’s academic superstars have each been awarded a prestigious $20,000 scholarship, setting up their academic future with funds for textbooks, coaching and computers.

Chelsea O’Connor and Meah Davis were selected with 60 other young women from around Queensland to receive $20,000 worth of assistance.

Two Nanango High School students have been awarded prestigious scholarships to help support them in achieving their academic goals and dreams.

Chelsea O’Connor, 13, and Meah Davis, 13, were two of 60 young women from around Queensland to receive $20,000 worth of assistance from the Harding Miller Education Foundation over the next four years of their high school journey.

Miss O’Connor said her family’s rural farm has suffered through numerous droughts and floods since 2019.

“(The floods) made it hard to afford feed for livestock, this scholarship will help me to reach my full academic potential and open pathways for a successful future,” Miss O’Connor said.

A Harding Miller spokesman said the students will be supported in a variety of practical ways including with equipment, computers, internet connections, textbooks, tutoring and coaching, which they may otherwise not have access to.

Nanango State High School principal Vanessa Moller said she is “so proud” of her students.

“This award identifies students with high academic potential and works to support their academic future through provision of equipment, tutoring and mentorship,” Mrs Moller said.

Nanango State High School principal Vanessa Moller said she is very proud of her students for winning this very prestigious award.

Harding Miller Foundation executive director Cara Varian said girls are more likely to complete high school and go on to pursue further education when they are supported.

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“We want to support these high-potential young women to stay in school and to have the option of going to university,” Ms Varian said.

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“We get satellites installed in homes to make sure that the kids can get access to the internet and we send out supermarket gift cards if families are having trouble with the groceries.

“These are tangible, practical things which we can do to give young women a hand to complete their schooling and fulfil their potential.”

Originally published as Chelsea O’Connor and Meah Davis win $20,000 academic scholarships