William Reay from Hinton and Brady Cooper, of Wallalong, graduated from the St Mary’s campus last year and each received a Port Stephens Council scholarship on Monday night. 

The council provided eight scholarships in partnership with businesses from the region, each worth $2000 and include a 12-month membership to the YMCA Port Stephens to help sweat out any stress at the gym.

“It’s a great help,” Mr Reay said. 

“I’ve spent $700 on text books alone this semester.”

Mr Cooper received the Tomago Aluminium Scholarship that goes toward his Bachelor of Information Technology at the University of Newcastle.

Mr Reay was presented the Weathertex Scholarship for his Bachelor of Medical Science also at university, which he hopes will lead to work in cancer research.

“It’s interesting and I’ve seen cancer affecting people I know,” he said. 

The mayor of Port Stephens, Cr Bruce MacKenzie, commended the businesses involved in the scholarships.

“This program is an investment, not only in the future of the young people who receive the scholarships, but an investment in the future of our community,” he said.

Maitland scholarship recipients:

* Weathertex Scholarship: William Reay – Hinton - Bachelor of Medical Science (University of Newcastle): All Saints College, St Mary’s Campus, Maitland

* Tomago Aluminium Scholarship: Brady Cooper – Wallalong - Bachelor of Information Technology (University of Newcastle): All Saints College, St Mary’s Campus, Maitland

* Newcastle Airport Scholarship: Hayden Spearpoint – East Seaham - Bachelor of Medical Science (University of Sydney): Hunter Valley Grammar School

* Destination Port Stephens Scholarship: Corinne Shields – Butterwick - Bachelor of Business/Arts (University of Sydney): Hunter Valley Grammar School