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The sky is the limit for Skye

March 10, 2006

Scholarship winner Skye GabbWhen she left school, Skye Gabb was unsure whether she wanted to become a teacher or a scientist. An 18-month stint as a jillaroo in Queensland and the Northern Territory, “sleeping out in the thousand-star motel”, decided her. She applied, and was accepted, to study rural science at The University of New England.

Now she'll begin her studies as the recipient of a prestigious Charles Allan Seymour Hawker Scholarship, which will cover the costs of her tuition, text books and living expenses at Robb College.

Since 1991, the Hawker Scholarship Trust Fund has awarded more that $1 million to 25 young Australians on the basis of their personal qualities and academic ability. Recipients must be accepted into an approved course of study at one of seven universities, including UNE and Cambridge. The scholarship was created to perpetuate the memory of Charles Allan Seymour Hawker, a noted South Australian scholar, soldier, pastoralist and statesman.

Skye, who grew up on a property in western Victoria, said she had always been set on coming to UNE, even before she won the scholarship.

“I'd visited UNE last January and really liked it,” Skye said. “I was attracted to the fact that it's a small university in a rural area.”

“UNE surprised me. It surpassed my expectations. I love the family atmosphere. The lecturers are so open, and it's just great how much support you get.”

Skye said she chose to study rural science as a result of her experiences growing up on the land and working as a jillaroo. She hoped to “bridge the gap between farmers and environmentalists” in Australia, she said.

Skye has long been a high achiever. At Ballarat Grammar she was Vice-Captain of her senior year and excelled in hockey, rowing and debating. She received a school award for community service and was selected as a Youth Envoy for the Centenary of Federation Celebrations in 2000.

Her House Head at Ballarat Grammar said Skye had “demonstrated her class” throughout her school journey.

“Skye excelled in attitude and performance across an impressive range of school and community-based interests,” she said. “She has tremendous people skills. We have not the slightest doubt that Skye will succeed in her chosen field of endeavour.”

The Master of Robb College and Residential System Manager at UNE, Michael Maas, said having a Hawker Scholar at the university was “very exciting for Robb and UNE”.

“We're very happy to be involved with this prestigious and worthwhile program, and delighted that Skye has decided to come and study with us,” he said.

For more information contact Michael Maas on (02) 6773 1701 or Leon Braun (UNE Public Relations) on (02) 6773 3771. A photo is available to accompany this story.

Posted by Leon Braun at March 10, 2006 09:47 AM