An aspiring sportsman and a passionate artist are this year’s recipients of the Zoe Buttigieg Wangaratta Chronicle Scholarships.

Grade five Yarrunga Primary School students Mason Joyce and Billie Creasy were announced the winners, and received their scholarships during a special awards assembly, attended by most the school’s students and many family members on Monday morning.

Zoe was a grade five student at Yarrunga when she lost her life in tragic circumstances in 2015, and the $500 scholarships awarded annually to a male and female grade five student not only honour her memory, but seek to help students pursue their passions.

School principal Michael Jenkins said Zoe has been described as a bright and bubbly student with a love for netball and learning.

"The scholarship aims to recognise students that demonstrate similar qualities to Zoe and encapsulate our Yarrunga school values," he said.

"Students are asked to apply and talk about their passions and how the scholarship will benefit their education.

"We had a number of strong applicants from our grade five students this year with Mason and Billie being selected as the winners.

"Mason, loves football, basketball and his family.

"Billie loves to crochet, netball, drawing, painting and acting.

"Both intend to set the money aside to assist with the costs associated with starting secondary school.

"Mason and Billie understand and value the significance of receiving this award.

"Yarrunga Primary School extends its appreciation to the Wangaratta Chronicle for its ongoing support and generous contribution toward this award."

Both students told the Wangaratta Chronicle they were honoured and excited to receive the scholarship.

Wangaratta Chronicle editor Jeff Zeuschner said the students’ resilience and achievements were clearly on show during the assembly.

“This is the ninth year of the scholarships and the Chronicle is proud to be able to support students pursue their passions and their unquestionable potential,” he said.

Scholarship entries

MASON JOYCE

I am 12 years of age and I am passionate about football, basketball and my family.

I love Yarrunga Primary School.

I commenced in year two when I returned to Wangaratta from Bendigo.

I have had the best teachers.

I have learnt so much, made some good friends and love going to school.

It would be a huge honour to receive this award.

I will be commencing year seven in 2027 and this would be a great help to further my education.

I struggle with some learning and perhaps could put this towards tutoring.

Thank you for considering me.

BILLIE CREASY

My passions are crocheting, playing netball, drawing, painting, swimming and acting.

As school I enjoy literacy, art, PE and acting.

Winning this scholarship would mean the world to me and would benefit so many things including making sure I have a proper school uniform and get enrolled into a good high school.

My dad and I live in a small house together with my dog.

Winning this scholarship would really help my dad to pay for may education.

Thank you for reading my application.

OTHER YARRUNGA PRIMARY SCHOOL ANNUAL AWARDS

Yarrunga Primary School Award: Matilda Snowdon

Wangaratta Rotary Club Jean McDonald Perpetual Scholarship for all round student: Grade 6 student Georgie Duncan

Brian Bosse Scholarship for personal growth: Grade 6 student KC-Lee Seymour

School Council Awards for excellent leadership, academic and school involvement: Grade 5 student Billie Creasy and Grade 6 student Lucinda Forster

Kids Council Award for qualities of an excellent volunteer: Grade 4 student Aaron Pullen-Johansen

Zoe Buttigieg Sports Award for Grade 5 student who excels at sport: Zac Sayers

The Redmond Encouragement Award: Grade 5 students Mason Joyce and Lilah Dromi

Bindi Award: Grade 4 student Cassidy Thomson

Community Award: Grade 3 student Monicha Dark