MEDIA RELEASE
Monday 4 May, 2009
Jared takes out Lois Harris Sc
Hard work and a love for agriculture have helped Jared Schmaal from the mid north secure this year’s Advisory Board of Agriculture Lois Harris Scholarship.
The 18-year-old from Marrabel took out the $2000 bursary after achieving the highest tertiary entrance score – an adjusted score of 97 – from a bevy of other first-year University of Adelaide, Bachelor of Agriculture students.
A student at Faith Lutheran in the Barossa, Jared says while he worked hard at school, he didn’t even know he was in the running.
“The scholarship was a big surprise. I worked hard at getting what I needed done, but I didn’t expect this,” he said.
“It will be a big help, especially with travelling and campus accommodation at Roseworthy and purchasing learning material and books.”
Having grown up on his family’s 2500 acre cropping and sheep enterprise, Jared says he looks forward to broadening his view of agriculture and one day taking over the running of the family farm.
“I suppose I’ve always had a strong interest in farming, I enjoy it and love learning about new agricultural production systems,” he said.
“I’d love to have the opportunity to travel and see what other agricultural industries are doing overseas and then maybe work as a local agronomist.”
Advisory Board of Agriculture Chairman, Mark Dennis says the scholarship, which is also supported by Primary Industries and Resources SA, was named in honour of the late Lois Harris, a representative of the board to reward top students for agriculture studies.
“It was established to encourage senior high school students to study agriculture, and ultimately keep young people in the industry,” Mr Dennis said.
“The scholarship is a fantastic starting point for young people to be involved in the industry and inspire them to continue learning.”
