WASSEA participant pays it forward

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Last month, Mariah Prunster (17) from Onslow Primary School – SIDE boarded the STS Leeuwin II for an adventure of a lifetime as the winner of the 2017 Western Australia Secondary School Executives Association (WASSEA) Scholarship.

2017 was the first year of a three year commitment by WASSEA to sponsor a participant on board a Leeuwin Youth Explorer voyage.

WASSEA representatives were invited to nominate scholarship applicants, and Mariah was announced as the winner at the 2017 Annual WASSEA Conference in June.

Mariah talks about why she applied for the scholarship.

“I truly believed that I would not only better my own skills and persona but that I’d also have a positive effect on others,” she said.

“The Leeuwin voyage allowed me to open my eyes and experience things that only very few get to.”

The Leeuwin Foundation voyages aim to enrich the lives of young people through adventure, participation and challenge.

Voyages 1711 and 1712 are next to set sail. Woodside Marine Career Scholarships are now available state-wide. Youth who have a marine or maritime interest (14-25) in your region are eligible for a scholarship worth $1,500, leaving a gap of $750.

The Foundation encourage any interested youth to fill in the form online (disregard the regions stated), and note they are a 1711 and 1712 applicant. Send this direct via email.

Throughout the voyage students participate in all onboard activities, including working aloft, cleaning the deck, participating in night watch and climbing the 33m main mast.

“I learnt a lot about myself, such as that I am worthy. The sponsorship is what gave me hope that I can conquer my fears and weigh up options that are positive and negative.”

The Foundation is an award winning provider of personal development and leadership programs that provides key life skills for young people aged 14-25 that they will take into their studies, careers and community.

Since 1986, the Leeuwin has provided exciting and life-changing programs to more than 40,000 young people across Australia.