Scholar Stories

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Celebrating Public Education Week 2025: Ignite Your Potential

This week, 4–8 August, we proudly join in celebrating Public Education Week 2025, a time to recognise the incredible achievements of NSW public schools, teachers, and students. The theme this year, “Ignite your potential,” is a powerful reminder of the transformative role public education plays in shaping bright futures.

At the Harding Miller Education Foundation, we’re proud to support the mission of public education by providing life-changing scholarships to Year 8 girls who demonstrate academic excellence, face financial barriers and are highly motivated to succeed at school and pursue tertiary education. Like the schools our scholars attend, we believe in equity, opportunity, and the incredible potential of every student.

From early learning through to Year 12, this week we celebrate the strength, diversity, and resilience of our public education system — and the inspiring students who continue to thrive with the right support and encouragement.

Here’s to the teachers who inspire, the schools that nurture, and the students who are igniting their potential every day. 🔥✨

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National Reconciliation Week 2025

As we mark National Reconciliation Week 2025, we reflect on the importance of amplifying First Nations voices and honouring the deep cultural knowledge and resilience of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

One inspiring example is Emma Hoskins, a Year 9 Harding Miller Education Foundation Scholarship recipient. At our Sydney Awards Presentation, Emma delivered the Acknowledgement of Country—a moment that resonated deeply with all in attendance. Her words were not only a recognition of Country, but also a reflection of her connection to it and the significance of continuing cultural traditions in modern spaces.

Emma is a proud Wiradjuri and Gamilaraay girl, born, living, and continuing her learning journey on Dharug Ngurra. Her commitment to education and culture is a reminder of the strength and potential of young First Nations women across Australia.

Emma has received several honours, including Blacktown City Council’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Young Citizen of the Year (2021), Blacktown City Council’s Young Citizen of the Year (2023), and she currently serves on their Youth Advisory Committee. She was also the 2022 NSW Department of Education Nanga Mai Outstanding All Rounder Student.

In athletics, Emma is the 2025 NSW State Champion in the 1500m Racewalk and a 2024 national bronze medalist. She topped five school subjects in 2024 and received both The Hills Sports High School’s Michelle Rowland Community Spirit Award and the Quakers Hill Little Athletics Spirit of Little Athletics Award.

This National Reconciliation Week, we honour students like Emma, who embody the spirit of reconciliation through leadership, learning, and cultural pride. Their voices are vital as we walk together toward a more just, equitable, and united Australia.

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What a night to remember in Brisbane!

Celebrating 60 Outstanding Year 9 Scholars from Queensland and the Northern Territory

We were thrilled to celebrate 60 incredible Year 9 scholars from Queensland and the Northern Territory as they received the Harding Miller Education Foundation Scholarship!

The event was held at the stunning State Library of Queensland, which was buzzing with energy and pride as families, supporters, and community members came together to honour these bright young women.

The evening was beautifully hosted by alumnae Stephanie Towers, Jasmine Davis, and Hannah Daley, and commenced with a moving Welcome to Country by Songwoman Maroochy—setting a respectful and inspiring tone for the night.

One of the highlights of the event was a powerful fireside chat with Annabelle Chaplain AM, a trailblazing leader in finance, infrastructure, and the arts. Her insights left a lasting impression on all in attendance.

We were also treated to a stunning musical performance by the Australian Girls Choir, adding a joyful and uplifting atmosphere to the evening.

This special celebration was made possible by:

• Our founders, Kim Harding OAM and Irene Miller
• Our generous donors, especially the Quinn Femelle Foundation, represented by Lola Quinn
• Our dedicated volunteer coaches
• And the incredible Harding Miller team, whose hard work and passion brought the event to life

Here’s to empowering the next generation of girls through education!

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A Big Day for Our Harding Miller Scholars in NSW & ACT!

An Inspiring and Fun-Filled Awards Day for Our NSW and ACT Scholars

We had the pleasure of hosting an inspiring and fun-filled awards day for our NSW and ACT scholars, celebrating their achievements and building lasting connections within our community.

The day began with a series of team-building activities, helping scholars connect and feel part of a new and supportive environment. From colouring, LEGO, and a university information station, to the classic “Guess How Many Jelly Beans” game – the morning was all about building bonds and having fun. Scholars were delighted with festive treats and raffle prizes, adding extra excitement to the start of the day.

After an information session with Lauren and Veronica, scholars took part in a highly competitive game of Kahoot, testing their new-found knowledge of the Foundation and various elements of the scholarship.

A panel discussion with alumnae featured empowering conversations around their experiences in the program and beyond. Scholars gained valuable insights on navigating their education, the importance of emotional support, and how to make the most of their scholarships.

The afternoon came alive with a high-energy workshop led by Playwave, sparking lively debates (pineapple on pizza – yes or no?) and games that had everyone laughing and connecting. The arrival of volunteer coaches led to meaningful conversations and the start of supportive relationships that will help scholars thrive in high school.

As the day transitioned, we welcomed parents, suppliers, donors, and special guests for a reception ahead of the formal part of the program—our awards ceremony.

We are incredibly fortunate to have such a talented pool of alumnae, as demonstrated by Sietara Mahshar and Zelda Truong, who served as MCs for the evening. They shared personal stories and guided us seamlessly through the program.

In a heartfelt moment, Emma, a Year 9 Wiradjuri and Gamilaraay scholar from The Hills Sports High School, delivered the Acknowledgement of Country, setting a powerful and respectful tone for the evening.

We were honoured to welcome Murat Dizdar PSM, Secretary of the NSW Department of Education, who shared reflections on the transformative role of education in his own life.

The Arts Unit delivered a series of incredible performances, including:

• A powerful solo by Maryana, a self-taught vocalist
• A moving self-choreographed dance by the NSW Public Schools Aboriginal Dance Company Events Troupe
• A high-energy preview from the School Spectacular, featuring “E.S.P.E.C.T.”

The evening’s Fireside Chat brought alumnae Sapphire and Khawlah into conversation with Karen Canfell AC FAHMS, a leading cancer epidemiologist. She shared her non-linear career journey, highlighting the power of perseverance and the importance of finding your passion.

We extend a huge thank you to our visionary founders, Kim Harding OAM and Irene Miller, our generous donors, and the dedicated Harding Miller team who made the day unforgettable.

Your support transforms lives.
Want to empower high-potential girls through education? Get in touch.

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Harding Miller scholar Lilly’s Japan visit

Harding Miller scholar Lilly recently had the incredible opportunity to travel to Japan as part of the Premier’s ANZAC Student Tour. Over ten unforgettable days, Lilly was immersed into Japanese culture, connected with Japanese students, met atomic bomb survivors, and with her peers, held their own ANZAC ceremonies—an experience both powerful and deeply moving.
In addition to learning about Japanese history, Lilly had the opportunity to share a piece of Australian culture by teaching local students how to play Spotto!

One of the most meaningful aspects of the trip for Lilly was her visit to Goko Senior High School in Kure, a city of great historical significance. It was there, after connecting with local students, that Lilly and her peers initiated Penpals for Peace — a student-led cultural exchange project aimed at fostering international understanding and reconciliation through letter writing.

For Lilly, this moment brought history to life. Having researched Gordon and Cherry Parker — an Australian soldier and his Japanese wife, whose relationship symbolised a turning point in post-war reconciliation — walking through the very city where their story began was incredibly moving. It was a moment of reflection on how far Australia and Japan have come, and how young people today can carry that legacy forward.

A visit to the Tokyo Raids Museum on the final day of the tour had a profound impact. Listening to a survivor’s firsthand account and seeing the personal stories behind one of the most destructive air raids in history reminded Lilly of the far-reaching cost of war — and the ongoing need for peace in our world today.

Returning home, Lilly shared how this journey reshaped her perspective. What once felt like distant history now feels deeply personal. She has found a renewed connection to the ANZAC legacy and a stronger sense of purpose, inspired to work towards a more peaceful and united world — values that align closely with the mission of the Harding Miller Education Foundation.

Here is a link to an ABCPerth radio interview

Harding Miller’s Enrichment Program recognises the benefits of both online learning as well as in-person experiences and we encourage our scholars to take advantage of opportunities like this study tour to expand their horizons

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Class of 2024 High Achieving Scholars

The Harding Miller Education Foundation is incredibly proud to celebrate the hard work, dedication and brilliance of all the Class of 2024 students who have achieved excellence this year.

Out of 63 Harding Miller scholars who sat their HSC this year, 21 scholars have been named Distinguished Achievers. Distinguished Achievers are awarded to students who achieved results in the highest band for one or more courses. Our warmest congratulations go out to these scholars who earned a place on the 2024 list:

In addition, Britney has also been recognised as a All-round Achiever for achieving the highest possible band in 10 or more units in their current pattern of study.

We also want to recognise our Victorian scholars who have earned a place on the 2024 VCE Honour Roll. They are among the fourteen Harding Miller scholars in Victoria who completed their VCE in 2024. Students on the VCE Honour Roll are those who received a score of 40 or above and are in the top 9 per cent of a subject’s cohort.

Among 32 Harding Miller scholars who took their QCE in 2024, two scholars have made it to the Queensland Certificate of Academic Commendation 2024. Students on the commendation list are those who achieve an A in at least six general subjects. We congratulate Emmalise and Hamna for their remarkable results.

Let’s give a round of applause to these future leaders, innovators and changemakers who make us all so proud. Your achievements are a testament to the power of perseverance and excellence. We can’t wait to see all the amazing things you’ll continue to accomplish!

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International Day of the Girl Child 2024 Spotlight – Jasmine, Class of 2025 Scholar

In honour of International Day of the Girl Child, we would like to spotlight Jasmine, an outstanding Class of 2025 scholar from Queensland. Jasmine was recently selected as a participant in the University of Queensland Young ChangeMakers Program, an on-campus experience program aimed at helping Year 11 students become the leaders, thinkers and innovators of the future. Jasmine hopes the program will help her foster friendships with both the people who share like-minded goals with her and those who have differing opinions, as she believes this is one of the key steps towards building her future. She also wants to develop her leadership and innovative thinking skills whilst experiencing a taste of university life. Jasmine is ecstatic that leadership opportunities are becoming increasingly available for women and she highly encourages others to take on these positions.

When asked about the biggest challenge she faced in pursuing her goals, Jasmine shared how she is an introvert who often shies away from putting herself out there. She tends to question whether she overestimates her capabilities or if she is qualified for a program, and this has become her major challenge in trying to get involved in more opportunities. However, through the recent programs and events she has participated in, she has realised that many people are in the same boat. She asserted, “We all tend to think negatively, but I can assure you that as soon as you turn those thoughts off, you realise that you can overcome many things.”

Reflecting on the International Day of the Girl Child 2024 theme ‘Girls’ vision for the future’, Jasmine shared her aspirations and hopes for the future. She envisions a future where everyone has equal opportunities without the limitation of societal norms. Jasmine finds women are often the minority of STEM-related professions, which is her area of interest, because there tends to be a lack of encouragement for women participation shaped by centuries of negative opinions on the capabilities of women. However, Jasmine believes that society has the ability to continue progressing towards a more equal representation of both men and women. As someone who recognises the potential of taking every opportunity, she hopes to realise this vision by encouraging others to take a step out of their comfort zone because everyone’s voice has a significant impact. She advises everyone to take on every opportunity that comes their way and utilise it to develop their skills. “Stay true to your beliefs and act on them. Every little step you take brings you closer to contributing to positive changes and your aspirations.”

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HMEF Scholars received the Minister’s Award for Excellence

On 5 August 2024, two Harding Miller scholars were recognised for their hard work and dedication through the Minister’s Award for Excellence in Student Achievement. The Public Education Foundation continued its tradition of celebrating outstanding achievements in NSW public education by hosting the awards ceremony on behalf of the Deputy Premier and Minister for Education and Early Learning the Hon Prue Car MP, and the Secretary of the NSW Department of Education, Mr Murat Dizdar PSM. The two Harding Miller scholars, Britney Nguyen from Prairiewood High School and Kobi Weiss from Inverell High School, were among the 36 students who received the Excellence in Student Achievement award at the ceremony held last week at Sydney Town Hall, coinciding with NSW Education Week. This award recognises outstanding Year 12 students who have excelled in their secondary years across academic excellence, sports, cultural, community and leadership.  

We are incredibly proud to see our scholars continue to shine on such a significant platform. Their accomplishments inspire us all and reinforce our commitment to supporting students throughout their educational journey. As we celebrate these achievements, we look forward to witnessing even more of our scholars receive such honours in the years to come. Congratulations Britney and Kobi!

Find their full citations from the awards below. 

Britney Nguyen – Prairiewood High School 

Britney Nguyen is a highly intelligent, mature, and exceptionally gifted young person with an insatiable thirst for learning, academic engagement and community service. Her propensity to be annually ranked #1 of her cohort is a testament, not only to her ability to undertake complex and challenging academic studies, but also, to her exceptional organisational, communication and co-operative skillset, honed through long-term engagement in leadership (school and community). With a predicted top state HSC ranking, being Vice-Captain of Prefects 2024, and selflessly serving community, Britney demonstrates that she is most worthy of a Minister’s Award for Excellence in Student Achievement.

Kobi Weiss – Inverell High School 

Kobi Weiss displays exceptional dedication to all her HSC subjects and is a role model for all students. She was selected by her peers to be a member of the school’s Student Representative Council (SRC) leadership team as School Captain and has been instrumental in organising school events which assist students, staff, and the community. Kobi actively involves herself in all student driven activities from peer support to sporting events and the SRC. She is a most polite and articulate young woman who is committed to high standards in all endeavours. Well done Kobi!