CAS Hawker Scholarship Presentation
Four New Hawker Scholars at St Mark's
Sarah Dickins, Jonathan Hamer, Alicia Hurkmans and Melanie Johnson were each awarded a CAS Hawker Scholarship and came in to residence at St Mark's this year. The awards were presented at a function in the Ballroom of Downer House at St Mark's by the former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Member for Wannon and Hawker family member, the Hon. David Hawker MP on 12 March 2010. Alicia (on the left), Sarah and Jonathan are pictured below with the Hon. David Hawker and the Master in the grounds of St Mark's. Melanie was unable to attend the presentation as she was representing South Australia in the Touch Football championships in Caloundra.
Alicia is studying a combined Chemical Engineering and Science in Technology degree at the University of Adelaide after graduating from Trinity College in Gawler. Alicia is a passsionate scientist having atended both the National Youth Science Forum and the Youth Australian and New Zealand Advancement of Science conference in recent years. These experiences led Alicia to initiate a chapter of Young Scientists Australia in Adelaide. Alicia is also an outstanding athlete and has competed in State and National swimming competitions including the AIS development team.
Sarah graduated from Mt Gambier High School and is now studying a combined Law/Science degree at the University of Adelaide. Sarah has won both the Junior and Senior state sections of the Rostrum Voice of Youth and in 2008 was the Australian runner-up. Sarah has also won a number of medals at state athletics championships including being the U18 Hammer Throw champion and third placegetter in the discus event. Sarah has been a group leader for the past six years in the World Vision 40 Hour Famine raising over $5000 to fund sustainable projects in third world countries.
Jonathan has begun a combined Law/Arts degree at the University of Adelaide having graduated from St Peter's College. Jonathan is a talented sportsman having represented his school in football, athletics and cricket. Jonathan also has many musical talents and has been a member of his school's Senior Choir, Orchestra, Strings Orchestra, Chapel Choir, Chamber Choir and Chamber Strings groups. He has also been active in his school's drama productions where he has been the principal actor. Jonathan has been responsible for organising several fund-raising initiatives including the Victorian Bushfire Appeal, Violet Day and support of the indigenous community at Pt Pearce.
Melanie is in her second year of a combinded Law/Health Sciences degree at the University of Adelaide after graduating from Unley High School. Melanie joined the United Nations Youth Association after helping to run a school Amnesty International group. The United Nations group successfully raised awareness and public education in relation to issues regarding the Magill Training Centre. Melanie is also a very competent sportswoman being a current member of the Matric Netball Club State League squad as well as a member of the State Touch Football team having recently competed in the Australian titles in Caloundra, Queensland.
Charles Hawker's sister, the late Lilias Needham, established the Scholarship in memory of her brother. Since 1991, the Trustees have awarded almost four million dollars to ninety young Australians, including a significant number from regional areas. The seven successful candidates for 2010 were awarded a Charles Hawker Scholaship from a strong field of 280 applicants.
Charles Hawker had a lasting impact on Australian politics and all members of the federal house had an enormous respect for him during his time as Australia's first Minister for Commerce in the Lyons government in the 1930s. Charles Hawker was a founder of St Mark's College and a member of the first Council. Hawker House commemorates his name at St Mark's today.
Back to Student News
