As part of the Dorothy Irene Ellis-Thomas scholarship, 15 students from nine high schools throughout Ballarat were each given $2000 as recognition for their hard work throughout VCE.

The scholarships recognise students who are not only academically gifted, but have made positive contributions to their schools and Ballarat as a city.

They were all nominated by their respective schools, which, according to trustee chairman Paul James, showed how worthy the recipients were.

The Thomas Scholarship fund was put in place by Dorothy Thomas, who passed away in 1999. 

Mrs Thomas, who had not received an education herself, wanted to assist students in furthering their own education.

“They are all really tallented kids. It’s about encouraging them towards further education and recognising the great work they did not just this year, but from year 7 through to year 12,” said Mr James.

In 14 years of the scholarship’s existence, $370,000 in scholarships have been handed out.