By JESSE GRAHAM
A HEALESVILLE Primary School student received a helping hand with next year’s high school studies last week, when they won the school’s top honour for school leavers.
Mahna Tarr-Hatherall, a Grade 6 student, received the school’s Tricia O’Reilly Scholarship on Monday 1 December at a whole-school assembly.
The $400 scholarship was created in memory of Ms O’Reilly, who was in Grade 6 at the school when she was tragically killed in 2001.
The award, which came in the form of four plaques was presented to Mahna by principal Cameron Heath, along with Healesville High School principal George Perini, teacher Gayle Shelley, Healesville Police Sergeant Stewart Thomson and Tricia’s father, Peter O’Reilly.
Two plaques, with the names of each of the scholarship recipients, are placed at each of the respective schools, while Mahna received another two – one details the criteria for the scholarship winner, the other for the award generally.
Mr Heath said the scholarship winner was chosen for having attributes and values similar to Tricia, and who were active and positive members of the school community.
“I never had the pleasure of meeting Tricia, but I’ve heard many stories about her and her time at Healesville Primary School,” he said.
“I heard she was always a student who tried her best in any situation which she was presented.
“She was determined, hard working, sporting, caring, well-mannered, displayed leadership qualities, respectful, trustworthy and always had a positive attitude.”
He said that Mahna ticked each of those boxes.
“This student has consistently upheld Healesville Primary School’s values, is community-minded and caring,” he said.
“The award winner this year helps others, is responsible, trustworthy, always positive in situations and is an all-round polite person.”
The scholarship is awarded each year to a student graduating from the primary school to Healesville High School, and is funded by bitumen and transport company, Gornroamin Pty Ltd, through the Yarra Valley’s Picone family.
