Three surf life savers Mia Leszinsky, Maxine Peacock – Smith and Christine Armour were selected to receive the 2011 NSI Surf Life Saving Northern Beaches Scholarship, which will see them complete a course of their choice at NSI.
The Surf Life Saving program was launched in 2008 and is a product of a partnership between NSI and the Surf Life Saving, Northern Beaches.
Mia has chosen to study the Certificate IV in Training and Assessment, Maxine will study the Certificate IV in Community Services, while Christine will study the Certificate III in Information Technology (Support) at NSI’s Northern Beaches College.
The program is designed to support the career and education aspirations of those who have excelled in surf-related sports and those who have made a significant contribution to the ongoing development and operation of their club.
North Steyne surf life saver Maxine Peacock – Smith said she was extremely grateful to receive the scholarship.
“I’ve had the chance to do things with surf life saving that I would never have expected to do.
“I have been working part time and doing bits and pieces here and there, but I really wanted to start studying.
“It seemed like such a great opportunity, I couldn’t believe how lucky I was,” she said.
“I just wish I had applied earlier!”
In addition to her contribution to the Surf Life Saving Club, Maxine volunteers three days a week at Disabled Alternative Road Travel Service (DARTS) and is a youth leader for the Salvation Army.
Maxine says studying at NSI’s Northern Beaches College will assist her to establish a career in counselling.
“This scholarship will give me the opportunity to do something I really want to do.
“I’d like to work with young people and youth,” she said.
“I think this is where the future is, there are a lot of kids out there who are lost, and there are opportunities for them to turn their lives around.”