Tenison Woods College graduate Sophie Ellis has been awarded the 2022 Community Bank Mount Gambier and District Scholarship.

The scholarship is awarded to a first-time tertiary student to supplement study costs during their first year of higher education and is part of the Bendigo and Adelaide Bank Scholarship Program.

Ms Ellis will use the scholarship to undertake first-time tertiary study in a Bachelor of Speech Pathology at the University of South Australia.

Ms Ellis achieved an ATAR of 97.1 at Tenison Woods College in 2020 and worked as an assistant at Limestone Speech during her gap year, which she said served as a great introduction to the industry and looked forward to continuing her learning in Adelaide.

“I just love helping children and their families,” she said.

“I really liked it, so I’m really excited to start studying.”

Ms Ellis said moving from a regional area to the city was a big financial commitment so receiving financial assistance was helpful.

“It’s honestly amazing, I’m so grateful for Bendigo Bank and organisations like that giving regional people an opportunity to pursue their study,” she said.

Ms Ellis said she would put the money towards her HECS debt or textbooks and supplies for university.

Community Bank Mount Gambier and District Acting Branch Manager Emma Horrigan said Ms Ellis was a deserving recipient of the annual tertiary education scholarship.

“Sophie has demonstrated a commitment to her studies and a passion for learning,” Ms Horrigan said.

“This is another way that our Community Bank company commits to building stronger communities.

“We wish Sophie all the best of luck as she begins an exciting journey toward achieving her academic goals.”