{"id":320748,"date":"2022-07-04T13:41:45","date_gmt":"2022-07-04T03:41:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/southburnett.com.au\/news2\/?p=320748"},"modified":"2022-07-04T15:40:53","modified_gmt":"2022-07-04T05:40:53","slug":"nanango-student-earns-scholarship","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/southburnett.com.au\/news2\/2022\/07\/04\/nanango-student-earns-scholarship\/","title":{"rendered":"Nanango Student Earns Scholarship"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Harding Miller Education Foundation executive director Cara Varian and director Irene Miller with Nanango State High School student Rhiannon Ryan (Photo: HMEF)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

July 4, 2022<\/strong><\/p>\n

A Nanango State High School student has received a $20,000 scholarship to help her with her studies over the next four years.<\/p>\n

Rhiannon Ryan was the lucky recipient of the Harding Miller Education Foundation scholarship.<\/p>\n

Kim Harding and Irene Miller established the Harding Miller Education Foundation in 2015.<\/p>\n

The scholarship program aims to assist high-potential Year 9 girls who may be experiencing socio-economic disadvantage.<\/p>\n

Since its launch in 2016, the Harding Miller Education Foundation has supported more than 800 scholarship recipients in 352 high schools across Australia.<\/p>\n

Executive director Cara Varian said the scholarships provided the girls with a new laptop, high speed internet connections, tutoring, career guidance and support to help cover the costs of uniforms, books and school expenses.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhere these young women have faced barriers, we are offering them a pathway through school and also potentially to university,\u201d Ms Varian said.<\/p>\n

\u201cThese students have the potential to become leaders in their fields and we hope that the scholarship gives them the support they need to understand and achieve that potential.\u201d<\/p>\n

Rhiannon said the extra financial and educational support would provide a great benefit to her learning.<\/p>\n

\u201cI live on a beef property, in a rural area, and spend three hours a day travelling to and from school,” she said.<\/strong><\/p>\n

“My parents\u2019 business has been severely affected by drought and we suffered extreme financial, mental and emotional hardship enduring the 2019-20 drought, the worst in living memory.<\/p>\n

“We are currently in the rebuilding and recovery phase, and without support, tertiary education options are limited for my siblings and me.<\/p>\n

“I have a strong interest in sustainable agriculture and plan on pursuing a career in that direction.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Harding Miller Education Foundation distributed 162 scholarships across Australia this year.<\/p>\n

Ms Varian said applications will open soon for the next round of scholarships, and she encouraged girls from Year 8 who think they might qualify, to consider applying.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf you\u2019re a girl in Year 8, who thinks that your lack of computer, internet or mentoring is holding you back from success, we\u2019d love to hear from you,\u201d Ms Varian said.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd of course we would love to hear from more generous donors who can help us fund this program and the wonderful outcomes it is driving for young women.\u201d<\/p>\n

Applications for scholarships for 2023 will open on July 13 and close on September 14.<\/p>\n