Scholarship winner puts community first

Lauren England won the 2012 William Groom Scholarship and is a USQ Student Ambassador

It seems helping people just comes naturally for Lauren England – the worthy winner of the 2012 William Groom Scholarship.

Miss England, who is currently employed as a University of Southern Queensland (USQ) Student Ambassador, was the recipient of the $5000 scholarship from Toowoomba Regional Council.

The scholarship is offered annually to 18 to 24-year-olds who are commencing their second or third year of a SQIT diploma or USQ degree course.

Miss England is studying a Bachelor of Education with USQ and plans to specialise in Special Education.

‘I’d wanted to study education since I was about 15,’ Miss England said.

‘But I wanted to do something more, which is why I chose Special Education.’

The 19-year-old, who is an accomplished piano player and singer, said she hoped to use music as an educational tool in the future.

'I have a real passion for it.’

Miss England returned from a trip to Cambodia last month where she worked with women and children who had been victims of slavery.

She said her experience inspired her to eventually use her education skills to help people overcome similar situations.

The former Christian Outreach College student has been part of the Humeridge leadership and volunteer team where she was involved in What 4? and Stumpy's programs since she was 15.

This involved organising activities and games for youth on a regular basis.

She has also been part of various other programs such as Girls Getaway weekend, Valour Day, You in the Loo and Bella Chicks, where she organised activities, mentored, led and improved the self-esteem of youth in Toowoomba.

Miss England has raised money for the Go Red for Women campaign for the Heart Foundation and Hagar International (an organisation that rescues children from slavery), and was a participant in the Cancer Council's Relay for Life.

She has also run religious instruction classes at Rangeville State School and has been part of the music team at Humeridge Church of Christ music ministry.

No matter where her career path takes her, it’s clear Miss England will continue to help others wherever she can.

‘I do what I can to help people and ultimately it helps me as a person as well.’

‘I don’t necessarily think I’m that special, I just do what I can.’

The William Groom Scholarship was established in 2004 to mark the centenary of Toowoomba's declaration as a city and honours the many achievements of the municipality's first mayor William Henry Groom.

Applications are traditionally called in late October each year, with the scholarship winner announced at Toowoomba's Australia Day ceremony.

In 2011, the winner of the scholarship was Matthew Ball, who was also employed by USQ as a student ambassador.

Contact Details:

Jim Campbell, USQ Media, +61 7 46 31 2977