By Dongyun Kwon
Two names have been added onto Healesville Primary School’s Tricia O’Reilly Memorial Scholarship Award name list shield.
The annual award was presented to two Grade 6 students, Ruby Russell and Sophie Anastasio at the school assembly on Friday 6 December.
Grade 5/6 teacher Ali Mende said both students deserved to win the award academically and non-academically.
“Ruby is the Myer House captain. She is involved in the school community by running assemblies and helping out during sports carnivals,” she said.
“She is a kind and inclusive student who always tries her hardest with everything she does, and loves playing soccer on the weekends for our local community.
“Sophie is a bright student who excels academically. She is polite and respectful to her teachers and classmates. Sophie strives to achieve a high standard of work and is a keen netballer in the local community.”
The Tricia O’Reilly Memorial Scholarship Award was established in 2001 in honour of Tricia who tragically passed away in a car accident while making her way home at the age of 12.
She attended Healesville Primary School and went on to Healesville High School.
As a legacy, the late Senior Sergeant Tony Van Gorp of Healesville Police set up the award and scholarship to be presented to Grade 6 students from Healesville Primary going to Healesville High School to help cover the cost of school books, uniforms and school fees.
Tricia’s family, representatives from Healesville High School and Healesville Police along with some past recipients attended the award ceremony to celebrate the achievement of the two students.
Two award recipients said they were proud to win the award and will keep up their good work in high school.
Ruby said being a Myer House captain was a great experience.
“I got to cheer the team on, and I got to help learn and teach them the song, and we won many things,” she said.
Ruby is also active in sports.
She is a versatile soccer player who plays for Healesville U13 Girls Hearts team in Healesville Soccer Club.
A great academic achiever, Sophie, shared tips for keeping good academic scores.
“Try to stay focused on your own work and don’t get too pressured with time,” she said.
“And always do your homework!”