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Scholarship enables student to finish high school and pursue education and career dreams

Published Monday, 6th February 2017

A widowed mother of three has tearfully welcomed news her son has been awarded a City of Wanneroo and Young Australia League (YAL) scholarship which will enable him to complete high school.

Joseph Carlos YAL Winner

Janet Carlos said she was deeply grateful her son Joseph was chosen by the selection panel and given the opportunity to continue his studies, receiving $3,000 towards year 12 tuition at Kingsway Christian College in Darch.

Marangaroo resident Joseph, who is 16, said the news was the best he could have hoped for.

“Thank you so much for the scholarship, I feel like it is going to help me hugely continuing Year 12 at Kingsway Christian College.

“I have not received a scholarship like this before and it will assist with school fees and educational material. It is an honour to earn the City of Wanneroo and YAL scholarship,” Joseph said.

Joseph’s father Mike was diagnosed with Motor Neuron Disease in 2008, became a quadriplegic in 2010 and died in 2011, leaving wife Janet to raise three children on her own.

Financial pressures following the death meant Joseph’s younger sister had to be moved from Kingsway Christian College to a public school, but with just one year to go in high school, the family was reluctant to move Joseph.

The diligent teenager has been a member of the Australian Air Cadets for four years, holds the rank of Corporal and will soon move up to the position of Sergeant.

He hopes to pursue a career in aviation or aeronautical engineering and says he will tell as many people as possible about the scholarship to make sure other students who can benefit from it, know about it.

Mayor Tracey Roberts said she was very proud of Joseph and his family’s determination to ensure his high school education did not suffer, despite the challenges they have faced.

“Joseph’s family has shown incredible strength in extremely trying circumstances, the children provided loving care for their father for a year after he became a quadriplegic while their mother worked FIFO. This shows deep love and respect and are admirable qualities,” Mayor Roberts said.

The partnership between the City and youth charity YAL has made it possible to acknowledge and reward students like Joseph living in the City’s boundaries. The Upper Secondary Scholarship will be offered again in 2018 to a student in year 10, 11 or 12 who has shown enthusiasm for furthering their education and is facing financial or situational barriers.

More articles in the news archive.