The GEO Group’s Youth in Focus scholarships aim to support the development and growth of young people.

GEO’s HR manager Kelly Eisenhauer said the large number of receipents spoke for the town’s youth.

“The quality of applicants each year makes it difficult to chose who should and shouldn’t receive the scholarship,” she said.

From the 18 applicants, seven across the fields of academia and sport were recognised.

Elisha McDermott and Hayley Hackett received the full scholarship, while Ben Turner, Caitlin Guinan, Braydon Lancaster, Natalie Puttock and Lilly Hogan received a part scholarship.

“We’re focused on Junee and bringing skills back to Junee, or helping people in Junee through mentoring, training or supporting a sport in town,” Ms Eisenhauer said.

This year, Elisha McDermott will head to the University of Newcastle to study teaching.

She said the scholarship would make a big difference and thank GEO for their corporate citizenship.

“It’s highly appreciated, it will go a long way to helping me in my studies,” Ms McDermott said.

When she graduates, Ms McDermott said she aims to return to Junee High to teach students.

Elisha McDermott: Excelling in both sporting and academic fields during her High School career, she has been recognized by the Olympic Committee as well as the Director General for her achievements and leadership qualities. She completed her HSC in 2014 with fantastic results which led to an admission to Newcastle University studying a Bachelor of Teaching Health and Physical Education in 2016. Following completion of university she intends to return to Junee to educate our future youth on the importance of a healthy lifestyle.

Hayley Hackett: She is heavily involved with the Junee Diesels Football Club as a player of League tag, umpire and coach. Nominated as best and fairest player in 2015 she has also been recognized within the club as well as Group 9 for her refereeing excellence. She enjoys mentoring and influencing the younger players and recruiting referees for the future. Volunteering her time to work with Country Rugby League and many little league competitions as well as enrolment into a sport and recreation course through Tafe, this young lady is chasing a career in sport.

Ben Turner: laying cricket from the age of 4 years old, he has represented the Riverina at various levels, including a trip to India in 2015. This young man travels to Wagga on a weekly basis to train and play cricket and would like to inspire others to play cricket as well.

Caitlin Guinan: She has received awards for highest point scorer, best and fairest and best defender throughout her league tag career and has recently achieved her referee badge. She would like to expand her knowledge of League tag by attending available clinics. 

Braydon Lancaster: A young man of 18 years who completed his HSC in 2015 with excellent results gaining early entry into 4 courses at Charles Sturt University. He decided to accept the offer into the foundation course of Bachelor of Technology/Master Engineering which is only offered to 50 students.

Natalie Puttock: Completed her HSC in 2015 at Junee High School with outstanding results, receiving the “best all-rounder” award. She also received early entry into three undergraduate programs at Charles Sturt University, deciding to study Medical Radiation and Science.

Lilly Hogan: Receiving exceptional results in the 2015 HSC meant an offer into Newcastle University to study medicine. She has intentions to return to the Junee shire in the future to promote health and wellbeing within the community.