Top honours for Moreton Bay students

Students from the University of the Sunshine Coast’s Moreton Bay campus, who received the City of Moreton Bay Scholarship or Study Bursary, have graduated with top academic recognition.

This year’s graduates include seven scholarship and six bursary recipients, with seven students receiving an academic excellence commendation.

One outstanding student maintained a GPA of 6.80 or higher to obtain a medal for academic excellence.

"I am incredibly proud to celebrate the achievements of this graduating class from our scholarship and bursary program,” Mayor Peter Flannery said.

“By providing financial support, we have empowered these talented individuals to focus on their studies and reach their full potential. Their graduation is a testament to hard work and commitment.”

Since 2020, City of Moreton Bay has supported seven or eight new scholarships annually, with $8000 a year for students’ undergraduate degrees at UniSC.

There has also been funding for 16 bursaries of $2000 per year since 2023, supporting local students to achieve their learning aspirations.

Graduates have made “remarkable strides” in Education, Engineering, Psychology, Criminology, Business, Design, Social Work, and Environmental Studies.

UniSC Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Helen Bartlett, said: “Their success will continue to inspire others to consider university education as an attainable goal.

“Council's generous scholarships and bursaries have helped remove financial barriers for many local students, allowing them to commit to their studies.”

Among this year’s graduates is Leynelle D’Penha, who received the University Medal for Academic Excellence, for students who achieve a GPA of 6.80 or higher.

“This scholarship has given me the support I needed to focus on my academic and professional growth during my time at UniSC,” she said.

“I am truly grateful for the support of City of Moreton Bay and encourage any aspiring students to apply.”

For more on the City of Moreton Bay Scholarship and Study Support Bursary visit www.moretonbay.qld.gov.au

Graduating Scholarship Recipients

Leynelle D’Penha, Bachelor of Design - Medal for Academic Excellence

Amber Quick, Bachelor of Nursing Science

Emma Badjou, Bachelor of Social Science (Psychology) / Bachelor of Criminology & Justice - University Commendation for Academic Excellence

Chloe Brooks, Bachelor of Primary Education

Emma Pearce, Bachelor of Nursing Science

Genevieve Szabo, Bachelor of Business (Digital Futures) - University Commendation for Academic Excellence

Lincoln Nass, Bachelor of Engineering (Civil)(Hons) - University Commendation for Academic Excellence

Graduating Bursary Recipients

Alice Behrendt, Bachelor of Primary Education, University Commendation for Academic Excellence

Chloe O’Connell, Bachelor of Primary Education

Kelsie Thompson, Bachelor of Education (Secondary) / Bachelor of Recreation & Outdoor Environmental Studies

Kiah Dixon, Bachelor of Social Science (Psychology) / Bachelor of Counselling - University Commendation for Academic Excellence

Renee Williams, Bachelor of Social Work - University Commendation for Academic Excellence

Shae-Lee Thomson, Bachelor of Primary Education - University Commendation for Academic Excellence