NURIOOTPA High School year 11 student Angie Couzner attended a reception at Government House in Adelaide on Thursday after being named a recipient of the Dame Roma Mitchell scholarship.

The scholarship has been awarded to aboriginal students each year since 1993, and are intended to help support them to complete their SACE requirements and fulfil future aspirations.

Over two years, 10 successful students in South Australia will be awarded $2000, made in $500 payments each semester. \

Miss Couzner said she was nervous but excited to visit Government House.

“My grandma, who is on the aboriginal side of the family, was really proud and helpful, so that was good,” she said.

“I think I will put most of the money aside to save for when I get my licence.

“Then, when I finish school I will be able to drive to university and pay for that.

“I am hoping to go to Flinders University to study nursing, because I heard they have a good course there.

“I like the thought of nursing because you get to help people.”

Miss Couzner was able to secure the scholarship through the help of Nuriootpa High School aboriginal education teacher Natalie Axo.

“Angie is studious and works hard at gaining high marks in all her subjects each term,” Ms Axo said.

“I have got to know her very well since she started here at Nuriootpa High School as a year eight student in 2016.

“She quickly became part of the ATSI (aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander) cohort and took part in the cultural activities we plan each year.

“Reconciliation celebrations at Gawler this year remains a fond memory for me as Angie and her older sister, Jessica, took to the stage to sing a song in the afternoon.

“Angie is an outstanding young person and a fine ambassador for indigenous students.

“It is with the greatest pleasure and enthusiasm that I commend her.”