Ellen Williams of Mosman Park’s Iona Presentation College is the 2006 recipient of the Vynka Hohnen scholarship for the prestigious Bond University in Queensland.
Awarded annually to a West Australian Year 12 student, t he Vynka Hohnen Scholarship Fund was established by the family and friends of the late Vynka Hohnen, a vivacious young lawyer who studied at Bond University, before returning to practice in her home town of Perth.
Tragically, Vynka died in a car accident in 2000 at the age of 24.
The generosity of Vynka’s family and friends will cover all of Ms William’s tuition costs for her chosen degree, a Bachelor of Laws, when she commences study at the private university in January 2006.
By offering this full tuition scholarship each year, Vynka’s family hope to give a young Western Australian the opportunity to experience the broader perspective on life and fulfilment that Vynka experienced during her time at Bond University on the Gold Coast.
Bond University Vice Chancellor, Professor Robert Stable presented Ellen with her award saying, “It is wonderful gesture and a most fitting way to remember a young lady who contributed greatly to both the community at Bond University and in her home town of Perth.”
Ms Williams won the scholarship, valued at $88,000, after an extensive selection process which included a written application, an essay and two rounds of interviews.
Scholarship judge and Bond University Admissions Manager for WA Penny Biddle said, “Ellen’s academic excellence, leadership qualities, extensive extra-curricular involvement and peer support work all made for an excellent application, but it was her giving of time to the community and her great care and empathy for others that stood her apart from the other applicants.”
Ellen is now busy preparing for her Year 12 exams and making plans for her move to the Gold Coast.