- Published:
- Monday 23 November 2015
Minister for Education James Merlino today announced the two recipients of the inaugural Lynne Kosky Memorial VCAL Scholarships.
Aleks Radenovic from McClelland Secondary College in Frankston and Gemma-Mae Stemp from Kurunjang Secondary College in Melton were presented with their awards at today’s Victorian Senior Secondary Leadership Awards.
The annual Lynne Kosky Memorial VCAL Scholarships were launched earlier this year as a tribute to Ms Kosky, who passed away in December 2014. Ms Kosky considered the introduction of the VCAL to be one of her greatest achievements during her term as Victorian Minister for Education and Training from 2002 to 2006.
The Scholarships are available to Year 10 students planning to study the Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning (VCAL) as an alternative to the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE).
Students who complete the VCAL can choose from a number of options, including transferring to VCE, attending TAFE or undertaking an apprenticeship or traineeship.
The Lynne Kosky Memorial VCAL scholarships are valued at up to $25,000, in annual $5,000 grants awarded for up to five years.
Aleks Radenovic has ambitions of being a builder or an electrician. Aleks, who has had to overcome significant personal hurdles, loves the hands-on approach of VCAL and the flexibility it offers, and is deeply involved in a range of initiatives at school and in the wider community.
Gemma–Mae Stemp is an inspiration to students and staff at her school. Dealing with an arthritic disability which limits her mobility, she consistently demonstrates the college values of perseverance, high expectation and respect. Gemma-Mae is hoping through her VCAL and future training to one day join the Victorian Police Force, to serve in the mounted branch.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Education James Merlino
“I’m delighted to announce the inaugural winners of the Lynne Kosky Memorial VCAL Scholarships. This pays testament to Lynne’s tireless efforts in ensuring that Victoria’s education and training system remains accessible to everyone.”
“Congratulations to our two recipients, Ms Stemp and Mr Radenovic. They are both excellent examples of how our dedicated schools and teachers are supporting hard working young Victorians to be their best.”
“These scholarships are part of our investment of almost $4 billion to make Victoria the Education State, so every community has access to a great local school and every child gets the chance to succeed.”