Ella from ‘Dunblane’, Burragate, yearned for schooling. No one around her thought school was important.

Director, Ella Bella Memorial Scholarship, Michelle Morgan, said as a nation we generously nurture the development of sports athletes.

“We willingly give many incentives to challenge and encourage them with sponsored elite training, travel to local and international events,” Ms Morgan said.

“Sadly we don't have such extensive, development sponsorship for scholastic athletes.

“Most children and parents can cope with primary education. High school becomes increasingly difficult: technically and financially.

“There are only scholarships and government assistance for grade 11 onwards, but without strong ground work during years 7 to 10, later assistance is unusable.”

The applicants receive $1000 for one school year. It is broken down so they receive $250 each school term. “This gives rural children opportunities they wouldn’t normally have.” Ms Morgan said.

The winners for this year’s scholarship were Marina Shelton who wants to be a radiographer, Mitchell Houldcroft, Sam Penfold who wants to study forensic science, Alexandra Rush who wants to study veterinary sciences, Chloe Flegerbein and Alexandra Beatty who wants to become a mid-wife. Moree Lions, vice president, John Atkins, said in conjunction with Michelle Morgan we produce a two page flyer to hand out to the schools so students can apply.

“Students write a one page essay about themselves, how they are going with school, their hobbies and what they are focusing on,” Mr Atkins said.

“They are marked on criteria such as is the letter coherent, are they able to set goals for the future, are they disadvantaged in anyway.

“But they are really selected on the commitment they have in regards to learning.”