JAMES Morrison Academy students Abigail Marshall and Zac Treloar have been awarded 2020 Cowan Grant Scholarships to support their study at the Mount Gambier-based music school.
The musicians will receive financial support to attend the University of South Australia facility, in line with the Cowan Trust’s commitment help mainly rural and regional students pursue their tertiary goals.
Ms Marshall, who hails from the Gold Coast in Queensland, is studying a Bachelor of Music at the academy and was surprised to receive the scholarship.
“I am very grateful for the opportunity to study music in Mount Gambier and the scholarship will assist significantly with living and study costs,” Ms Marshall said.
“It also means that I am able to continue practising without financial limitation.”
Third-year university student Zachary Treloar moved to Mount Gambier in 2018 from Adelaide.
“Winning the 2020 scholarship was an important milestone in my development as a musician,” Mr Treloar said.
Academy head and world-renowned jazz musician Professor James Morrison said the generosity of benefactors such as the Cowan family had an incredibly positive impact on recipients and their families.
“Many students struggle to meet their commitments while studying and receiving a grant can be the thing that allows them to successfully complete their degree,” Mr Morrison said.
The Cowan Grant has delivered more than $3m to 1500 rural and regional students since it was established.
“Being rural people we are well aware of the difficulties faced by rural families and how that can be an impediment to young people going to university,” Trust chairman Bob Cowan said.
“We have found that just a small amount of help financially can be so important.
“Not only do the students receive financial support but this also gives them an immeasurable boost of confidence.
“It can show the students that someone has faith in them and this is a very powerful motivator.”
