Students from the University of the Sunshine Coast’s Moreton Bay campus, who received the City of Moreton Bay Scholarship or Study Bursary, have graduated with top academic recognition.

This year’s graduates include seven scholarship and six bursary recipients, with seven students receiving an academic excellence commendation. One outstanding student maintained a GPA of 6.80 or higher to obtain a medal for academic excellence.

UniSC Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Helen Bartlett, congratulated the graduates on their dedication and achievements.

“Their success will continue to inspire others to consider university education as an attainable goal,” Professor Helen Bartlett said.

“Council's generous scholarships and bursaries have helped remove financial barriers for many local students, allowing them to commit to their studies.

“We are proud to be working closely with City of Moreton Bay to ensure residents have access to a quality university education.”

Among this year’s distinguished graduates is Leynelle D’Penha, who received the prestigious University Medal for Academic Excellence, awarded to students who achieve a GPA of 6.80 or higher.

“My studies have been challenging at times but have also been impactful and rewarding, and this scholarship has given me the support I needed to focus on my academic and professional growth during my time at UniSC. It has helped me reach important milestones that will shape my career, and I’m incredibly proud to see that culminated in this medal,” Ms D’Penha said.

Mayor Peter Flannery acknowledged the exceptional achievements of these students and the impact of the City of Moreton Bay program.

"I am incredibly proud to celebrate the achievements of this graduating class from our scholarship and bursary program. By providing financial support, we have empowered these talented individuals to focus on their studies and reach their full potential,” Mayor Flannery said.

"Their graduation is a testament to their hard work and commitment. With our support, they have grown in confidence, emerging as future leaders and changemakers ready to shape the future of Moreton Bay.

“Since 2020, we have supported seven to eight new scholarships annually, with $8,000 per year for the life of those students’ undergraduate degrees at UniSC. We have also funded 16 bursaries of $2,000 per year since 2023, supporting local students to achieve their learning aspirations.

“The students’ dedication and ambition are inspiring, with graduates making remarkable strides in fields including Education, Engineering, Psychology, Criminology, Business, Design, Social Work, and Environmental Studies.”

“I am truly grateful for the support of City of Moreton Bay and encourage any aspiring students to apply! This scholarship allowed me to make the most of my time at university.”

Find out more about the City of Moreton Bay Scholarship and Study Support Bursary.

Graduating Scholarship Recipients

•  Leynelle D’Penha, Bachelor of Design

  • Medal for Academic Excellence

• Amber Quick, Bachelor of Nursing Science
• Emma Badjou, Bachelor of Social Science (Psychology) / Bachelor of Criminology &
  Justice

  • University Commendation for Academic Excellence

• Chloe Brooks, Bachelor of Primary Education
• Emma Pearce, Bachelor of Nursing Science
• Genevieve Szabo, Bachelor of Business (Digital Futures)

  • University Commendation for Academic Excellence

• Lincoln Nass, Bachelor of Engineering (Civil)(Hons)
  • University Commendation for Academic Excellence

Graduating Bursary Recipients

• Alice Behrendt, Bachelor of Primary Education
  • University Commendation for Academic Excellence
• Chloe O’Connell, Bachelor of Primary Education
• Kelsie Thompson, Bachelor of Education (Secondary) / Bachelor of Recreation &
  Outdoor Environmental Studies
• Kiah Dixon, Bachelor of Social Science (Psychology) / Bachelor of Counselling
  • University Commendation for Academic Excellence
• Renee Williams, Bachelor of Social Work
  • University Commendation for Academic Excellence
• Shae-Lee Thomson, Bachelor of Primary Education
  • University Commendation for Academic Excellence