Alumni Scholarships

At Kelmscott Senior High School, we have a proud tradition of graduating students giving back to the school in the form of a student scholarship. Students must achieve a B+ or higher to be considered for a scholarship. Scholarships are awarded for the following courses:

• History / Geography – Albert Koutsoukis Social Science Scholarship
• Animal Production Systems / Certificate II Rural Operations – Lisa McLerie Agriculture Scholarship
• Mathematics – Brendan Taylor Mathematics Scholarship
• Visual Arts – Deborah Milton Art Scholarship
• Physics – Dr Brad Pettit MLA Physics Scholarship
• Biology / Human Biology – Dr Dean Pritchard Science Scholarship
• Vocational Education – Dr Tony Buti MLA Vocational Education and Training Scholarship
• English – Frances Hammond English Scholarship
• Politics & Law / Economics – Jean Ritter Social Science Scholarship
• Chemistry – Julie Dally Chemistry Scholarship
• Physical Education Studies – Karen Bond Physical Education Studies Scholarship
• Music – Natalie Smart Music Scholarship
• Languages – Rita Saffioti MLA Language Scholarship
• Accounting & Finance – Wayne French Accounting Scholarship

Lisa McLerie Agriculture Scholarship

Lisa attended Kelmscott SHS in the Specialist Agriculture Program and graduated in 2013. She completed a Bachelor of Animal Science at Murdoch University in 2017 after which she completed her Masters, also at Murdoch University.

Lisa has worked on King Island completing beef cattle research for Meat & Livestock Australia, a position she was successful in gaining through Murdoch University. She went on to become a Technical Systems Coordinator at Harvey Beef, and more recently, an Animal Welfare Specialist for Harvest Road.

Bradley Evans

Scholarship Winner 2022

Albert Koutsoukis Social Science Scholarship

David Koutsoukis dedicates this scholarship to the memory of his father, Albert Koutsoukis. Mr Koutsoukis Snr was a Head of Department and outstanding teacher of history and Social Studies at KSHS. He was also a prolific author.

David graduated from Kelmscott Senior High School in 1978, entered Nedlands College and graduated with a Bachelor of Education in Physical Education.  He taught in a number of schools, including Kelmscott Senior High School alongside his father Albert.

After 10 years of teaching, David became a professional singer both here and overseas. During this time, he also worked in children’s television on shows such as Early Birds and Children’s Channel 7 with the popular Fat Cat character.

David went on to become a successful motivational speaker and over the last 20 years has presented at conferences in 12 countries across 4 continents. He also followed in his father’s footsteps as an author, and so far has written 27 books.

Ciara Jacob

Scholarship Winner 2022

Brendon Taylor Mathematics Scholarship

Brendan was a prize winning 1986 Kelmscott Senior High School graduate. He entered the University of Western Australia and completed a Bachelor of Law.

Following graduation, he worked in the prominent West Australian law firm, Parker and Parker. He subsequently joined Talbot Olivier and became a partner in 1998. In 2007, Talbot Olivier was involved in one of the first public listings of a law firm and he went on to serve as managing partner.

In 2016, he joined Mills Oakley as a partner. Mills Oakley is currently Australia’s fastest growing law firm. Brendan practises in commercial litigation. Most of his work involves contractual and corporate disputes and media and defamation law. In addition to his work in law, Brendan serves as the Arbitrator of the West Australian Football Commission and is a Past Chairman of the Western Australian Cricket Association Appeals Board.

Vivian Tran

Scholarship Winner 2022

Deborah Milton Art Scholarship

Deborah graduated from Kelmscott Senior High School in 1979. She was accepted into law at the University of Western Australia (UWA) in 1981 and graduated in 1984.

Deborah completed her articles of Clerkship at a large commercial law firm and was admitted as a solicitor of the Supreme Court in December 1985. During the following years Deborah developed a practice in commercial litigation, specialising in building construction and engineering disputes. She was made a partner of the firm in 1992. She and another colleague were the first females to be made partners of this firm.

During the 1990’s, Deborah combined a part time legal career while being a mother of 3 children. For 8 years from 2002, she worked for the Legal Practices Board of WA, as the Director of the Legal Profession Complaints Committee. Deborah established her own firm – Legal Solutions Perth. Her aim is to provide quality legal service at an affordable price. She is also developing a practice in wills and probate practice.

Adedolapo (Dolapo) Ogunleye

Scholarship Winner 2022

Dr Brad Pettit Physics Scholarship

Brad graduated as Head Boy from Kelmscott SHS in 1989. After a year of travel around Australia he entered Murdoch University to study Politics and Environmental Studies.

After a stint working in Malaysia and Thailand, Brad returned to Murdoch to work on a Phd on International Development and Sustainability. After completing his studies, he worked with Oxfam in Cambodia and then with the Australian aid program, AusAid, in Canberra.

Brad returned to lecture in sustainable development at Murdoch University. His research and teaching expertise included climate change, international aid policy and sustainable planning. Brad later became Dean of the School of Sustainability, a position he held until being elected Mayor of the City of Fremantle in 2009. Brad was re-elected in 2013 and 2017.

He continues to be involved at Murdoch University as an adjunct associate-professor. Brad has been Mayor of Fremantle since 2006, and in 2021 was elected to the Western Australian Legislative Council.

Saffron Maitland

Scholarship Winner 2022

Dr Dean Pritchard Science Scholarship (Biology and Human Biology)

Dean graduated from Kelmscott Senior High School in 1997 as dux of his year. He entered the University of Western Australia and completed his medical degree with first class honours.

During his time in Western Australia, he mainly worked at Royal Perth Hospital. Dean’s work also allowed him to travel to Europe and he lived and worked in Ireland for 12 months. Dean commenced specialist Training in Emergency Medicine in 2008 and completed his studies in Melbourne in 2013.

He now works as a specialist in Emergency Medicine, in the role of Deputy Director of a major metropolitan health service in Melbourne. Dean has fond memories of his days as a student of Kelmscott Senior High School and holds his old school in very high esteem.

Beth O’Gorman

Scholarship Winner 2022

Dr Tony Buti Vocational Education and Training Scholarship

Tony graduated from Kelmscott Senior High School in 1978 and entered the University of Western Australia (UWA) to study for a Physical Education Degree. He has completed further studies at UWA, Australian Nation University, Oxford University and Yale University, obtaining a Diploma of Education, Bachelor of Law, Masters of Industrial Relations and a doctorate in law.

Tony has worked as a high school teacher, AFL Player Agent, lawyer and legal academic. He has written a number of books and academic articles. Tony lives locally and has been Member of the Western Australian Legislative Assembly (for Armadale) since October 2010.

Jasmine Olsen

Scholarship Winner 2022

Frances Hammond English Scholarship

Frances graduated as Dux of Kelmscott Senior High School in 1978. She entered the West Australian Institute of Technology and graduated with a major in Library Studies. Over the years, Frances has acquired qualifications in fine art and sailing. She was one of the first volunteers on STS Leeuwin and navigator for the first all women crew to compete in the Fremantle to Bali yacht race.

Frances has a passion for travel – including crossing the Soviet Union on the trans- Siberian railway, taking an eco-tour to the Ross Sea region of the Antarctic and exploring most of the coast of Australia by sail. She has worked in libraries throughout her professional life and was first employed by Woodside Offshore Petroleum, later by ALCOA and then various academic libraries at the University of Western Australia.

Since 1999, Frances has worked at the State library of Western Australia, first as the Business Librarian and later as a Collection Liaison Librarian working to implement Legal Deposit legislation and, in 2019, the National edposit system for collecting Western Australia’s digital published heritage.

Beth O’Gorman

Scholarship Winner 2022

Jean Ritter Social Science Scholarship (Legal Studies and Economics)

Mark Ritter dedicates this scholarship to the memory of his mother, the late Jean Ritter. Mrs Ritter was a highly valued and respected member of the Kelmscott Senior High School Council in the important formative years of the school.

Mark attended Kelmscott Senior High School from 1975 to 1979, and graduated as Dux of his year. He then studied law at the University of Western Australia, and graduated in 1984 with a Bachelor of Laws with first class honours. From 1985 to 1995, Mark worked at Dwyer Durack, a law firm, in Perth. He became a Partner in the firm before leaving to work solely as a barrister at Wickham Chambers in 1995. Mark practised at Wickham Chambers for 10 years.

In 2004, he was appointed as a Senior Counsel by the Chief Justice of Western Australia. From 2005 to 2009, Mark was the Acting President of the Western Australian Industrial Relations Commission. In 2010, he recommenced work as a barrister at Francis Burt Chambers, where he still practises.

Vivian Tran

Scholarship Winner 2022

Julie Dally Chemistry Scholarship

Julie Graduated from Kelmscott Senior High School in 1981 and commenced hospital based training at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital. After engaging in various travel and work opportunities, she completed a post registration Bachelor of Nursing through Edith Cowan University.

Having developed an interest in both aged care issues and nursing education, Julie progressed to gain post graduate certificates in Aged Care and University teaching then completed a Master of Nursing through Notre Dame. Julie has worked as a registered nurse in major public hospitals and private facilities and has had amazing nursing experiences in small health facilities in tropical north Queensland. She has spent many years coordinating and lecturing in various programs at Notre Dame University ranging from beginning through to postgraduate studies, with a special interest in developing support structures for students transitioning to university.

She is currently working towards being part of the COVID19 vaccination program and looks forward to seeing a safer 2021 and beyond.

Emma Johnson

Scholarship Winner 2022

Karen Bond Physical Education Studies Scholarship

Karen graduated from Kelmscott Senior High School in 1978, entered the Western Australian Institute of Technology (WAIT – now known as Curtin University) and graduated with a Bachelor of Applied Science with a major in Physiotherapy.

She worked in rehabilitation at Royal Perth Hospital with special interests in sports injuries and orthopaedic rehabilitation. Karen completed a post graduate diploma in Sports Physiotherapy and in 1986 became the physiotherapist for the senior WA Rugby Union touring team and later for the senior WA women’s hockey team.

Karen was a part time lecturer at Curtin University and currently owns the Spearwood Physiotherapy Clinic which specialises in sports injury treatment and post-surgical orthopaedic rehabilitation.

Brady Turner

Scholarship Winner 2022

Natalie Smart Music Scholarship

Natalie was a member of the Kelmscott Senior High School Academic Extension Program. She graduated in 1987 and entered Curtin University where she graduated with first class honours in Pharmacy.

Natalie was a locum at various pharmacies in the Metropolitan area until she bought into a partnership in two Kelmscott pharmacies – Wizard plaza and Stargate. She has sold both pharmacies, where she specialised in Aged Care Services. Natalie was the sole owner of the stores for 18 years. Natalie is now a locum pharmacist. She consults with owners, offers the experience and knowledge she has gained and keeps her practice skills current.

This work is conducted in both the metropolitan and country areas. Natalie is now free to consult, work as a locum, spend much more time with her family and maintain a more agreeable balance in her life. Pharmacy is changing to include specialities such as vaccination and Natalie is keen to engage in this change.

Maha Torabi

Scholarship Winner 2022

Rita Saffioti MLA Languages Scholarship

Rita graduated as Dux of Kelmscott Senior High School in 1989 and entered Curtin University, where she obtained a Bachelor of Business, majoring in Economics.

She has worked as an economist with the Commonwealth Department of Finance and the West Australian State Treasury. She left the Treasury in 1997 to work with Dr Geoff Gallop as Director of Economic policy and Strategic Adviser and became Chief of Staff to Premier Alan Carpenter.

Rita assisted with the 2001 State election campaign and was appointed Chief Policy Coordinator in the 2005 campaign. She has been Member of the Legislative Assembly (for West Swan) since 2008. Rita is currently Minister responsible for Planning, Transport.

Saffron Maitland

Scholarship Winner 2022

Wayne French Accounting Scholarship

Wayne graduated from Kelmscott Senior High School in 1987. He entered Curtin University and graduated with a Bachelor of Business with a major in Accounting in 1992.

He is a Chartered Accountant and proud member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia. He commenced as a graduate accountant in 1992, working at PKF Chartered Accountants specialising in taxation. In 1994, he joined Taylor Woodings when it commenced its operations as a new firm specialising in tax and insolvency advice.

In 2000, he established his own accountancy practice, Kensington Partners. The business has grown over the years and he has recently rebranded the business to Kensington Financial Group which services a diverse range of clients with a focus on delivering a fully integrated financial services offering with a specialty in wealth management, taxation, business advisory and lending services.

Gwyneth Sinining

Scholarship Winner 2022