Mitchell Foord of White Cliffs has been awarded the April Bottom Scholarship for 2006. The Scholarship is a legacy from the late April Bottom, awarded annually, to one student from the Anglican Parish of the West Darling to assist with secondary or tertiary education outside the parish. This is the second year the Scholarship has been awarded.

April was a regular member of Holy Trinity Anglican Church, Menindee – now part of the Anglican Parish of West Darling. Before she lost her long and courageous battle with cancer in 2003, April and her husband, David, ran Wirryilka Station for many years and experienced first hand the difficulties of having their children educated.

April had a deep respect for the work of the BCA and particularly its commitment to provide ministry to people in remote parts of Australia. At her request, BCA will continue to administer the Scholarship.

As the 2006 recipient of the Scholarship, Mitchell’s award will assist with boarding and education fees as he enters Year 9 at St. Stanislaus College, Bathurst. Mitchell entered St. Stanislaus College in Year 7 having completed his primary education at White Cliffs Public School. He has demonstrated a strong commitment to his school, achieving excellent academic results and contributing to the many aspects of boarding school life. Mitchell is well aware of the remoteness of his family and is a young man who has seized the opportunities that have been afforded him at St. Stanislaus’.

His family live in White Cliffs, a remote country town in New South Wales with a population of about 200. Broken Hill, some 300 kms away, is the nearest shopping town. Rising fuel costs have greatly impacted the tourism industry in White Cliffs and the circumstances of many who live in these remote areas. Mitchell hopes to consistently improve on his achievements and to continue his studies to tertiary level.

Congratulations Mitchell!