Narrabri’s Jacob Booby was among nine scholarship recipients presented with certificates recently by the Royal Agricultural Society Foundation (RASF) in Armidale.
This year, 47 rural scholarships have been awarded totalling over $220,000 for students, and the presentation on July 25 was the second of three presentations at the University of New England to recognise the recipients.
The RASF is a philanthropic foundation which seeks to encourage educational excellence and foster vibrant and sustainable rural and regional communities by supporting youth and community programs.
Eighteen-year-old Jacob said he would use the scholarship, worth $5000, towards attaining a commercial pilot’s licence.
“I’m doing flying lessons to become an agricultural pilot, so I’ll be putting it towards that,” Jacob said.
“It’s a long process, I am trying to get my private licence, then from there you get a commercial licence and then an ag rating.”
Jacob attended the ceremony with his mother, Lee-Anne, which also featured a tour of the university, where he will attend next year.
He deferred his double degree in agriculture and business at the University of New England this year to spend time pursuing his dream of attaining his pilot’s licence.
“I’ve taken a gap year, I’m earning a bit of money and putting it towards flying,” Jacob said.
His ultimate goal is become an agricultural pilot and forge a career in the agricultural industry.
RASF executive officer Jocellin Jansson said the presentation ceremony was an excellent opportunity to celebrate the success of recipients and acknowledge their educational and career aspirations.
“The RAS Foundation, our scholarship donors and sponsors are extremely proud to be able to assist such a large number of worthy and deserving students from across NSW,” Jocellin said.
“Occasions like this are a wonderful opportunity to bring together scholars, their families and foundation supporters and donors to recognise their contribution to the program.”
The other scholarship recipients who were presented with their certificates in Armidale travelled from Scone, Singleton, Blandford, Ashford, Wells Crossing, Narrandera, Gilgandra and Walgett.