Bishop Joe Grech Scholarship recipients: Changemakers!

St Augustine’s College is proud to celebrate two outstanding individuals who were recently awarded the Bishop Joe Grech Scholarship by Catholic Education Sandhurst Limited at a special luncheon held at Parklake Shepparton. Charli M, Year 10, and Guneet B, Year 10, were each awarded $620.00 to put toward their Scholarship Proposal in 2025.

The scholarships are designed to support recipients to grow as faith leaders and are awarded to a minority of senior students from Catholic Schools around the Sandhurst Diocese. The application process is extensive and requires seeking out valid references from a range of parties. 

Guneet's journey towards receiving the scholarship is marked by her unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship, deeply rooted in her exploration of Catholic Social Teaching. Her engagement with events like the 'Met Art' Exhibition and the 'Shepparton Converge Festival' showcases her proactive approach to sustainability, emphasising the interconnectedness between faith and environmental responsibility. Guneet attended the Justice Matters Camp which contributed to her understanding of a range of social justice issues, including integral ecology. 

Charli is a passionate advocate for gender equality and violence prevention within the St Augustine’s community. Recognising the prevalence of toxic masculinity and gender-based violence, she has spearheaded a program aimed at fostering crucial conversations among Year 11 and 12 students. Rooted in Catholic Social Teaching principles of human dignity and equality, Charli's initiative seeks to empower her peers to recognise and challenge harmful behaviours, fostering a culture of respect and inclusivity.

Both Guneet and Charli's scholarship proposals exemplify the transformative power of education grounded in Catholic values. Their programs not only address pressing social issues but also embody the spirit of faith-driven activism and leadership. Guneet's focus on sustainability underscores the Catholic commitment to environmental stewardship, while Charli's advocacy for gender equality aligns with the Church's teachings on justice and compassion.

As recipients of the Bishop Joe Grech Scholarship, Guneet and Charli are poised to make significant contributions to their school community and beyond!