Special moment: Angelina Mason is presented with her rural scholarship by YouThrive Victoria chief executive Dr Maryann Brown.
Photo by
James Kleeman
The future is looking bright for Greater Shepparton Secondary College graduate Angelina Mason, who was recently awarded the Helen Macpherson Smith rural scholarship from youth charity YouThrive Victoria.
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Ms Mason graduated from GSSC last year and the scholarship will support her as she embarks on her study of a Bachelor of Science degree at Monash University this year.
The scholarship, which recognises outstanding leadership, academic achievements and commitment to regional Victorians, includes $30,000 of financial aid over three years.
Ms Mason plans to major in pharmaceutical sciences and minor in biochemistry, and said she could not have gotten to where she is now without the support from those around her.
“The award means a lot to me,” Ms Mason said.
“It’s a massive opportunity that I was lucky enough to be given by YouThrive.
“I’m super grateful to YouThrive, all of my family, friends, and teachers that gave me their support along the way.”
Bright future: Angelina Mason is presented with her rural scholarship at Greater Shepparton Secondary College on Wednesday, February 15.
Photo by
James Kleeman
Although her university journey was just beginning, Ms Mason said she had a pretty clear idea of what she hoped to achieve in the years to come.
“I’ve always wanted to do something in medicine, or something in the health field,” she said.
“I definitely plan on coming back to a rural area at some stage to support this community and help with the health crisis a lot of rural areas face at the moment.
“Hopefully in seven or so years I can be back here helping out in any way I can.”
YouThrive Victoria was established in 2008 with a goal to provide opportunities for young rural Victorians to build their knowledge, skills and aspirations.
In 2021, it launched the Rural Youth Network, which provides a blend of online and in-person connections for young Victorians living in rural areas.
