Top students receive Hawker scholarships

University of Adelaide students Evelyn Cirillo and Joel Ransom are the latest C.A.S. Hawker Scholarship recipients.

The pair, who were congratulated on their achievements at an event at Government House, will receive up to $75,000 each over three years towards their residential accommodation and.

Evelyn is enrolled in Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of International Relations degrees. She completed her secondary education at Mildura Senior College with an ATAR of 95.75, and was regarded as a well-rounded student who demonstrated strong leadership and teamwork skills.

Evelyn is also a considerate, positive, caring individual who was involved in many extra-curricular activities, including the 2024 YMCA Youth Parliament, a peer mentor to her fellow students and even officiating multiple games for the Sunraysia Football Federation.

Joel is studying a Bachelor of Medical Studies this year, transferring from a Bachelor of Psychology (Advanced) (Honours) after earning an Academic Commendation for his straight High Distinctions in his first semester, and the Prize for Outstanding Results in Psychology for the full year.

Joel, a St John’s Grammar alumni, has a strong record of service and a profound commitment to using his talents for the betterment of others and the future of Australia, especially in rural and Indigenous communities.

Last year, he initiated a project to raise awareness of homelessness, which including a sleep out with students and the preparation of more than 800 meals for disadvantaged people through the Magdalene Centre.

The C.A.S. Hawker Scholarship was established by Lilias Needham in memory of her brother Charles Allan Seymour Hawker, a student, soldier, pastoralist and statesman who died in the Kyeema air disaster on 25 October 1938.

Applications for the 2026 scholarships open on 3 November; application forms will be available at www.hawkerscholarship.org.