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Long-standing donors enable students to follow their heart’s desire
Left Scholarship recipient, Mahlee Yuanjit, dreams of becoming a professional ballet dancer Right Long standing donors, Arthur and Alison Drummond want others to experience a Clarendon education
Year 7 student, Mahlee Yuanjit, dreams of pursuing a career in professional ballet. Since receiving a scholarship to attend Clarendon, Mahlee has discovered many ways to follow her dancing passion. “The one thing I really love about Clarendon is that everyone is so supportive of me pursuing dance,” said Mahlee. “They know that dance is my passion and they encourage me to follow it.” Mahlee has been dancing since the age of four and has yet to look back. Over her journey, she has studied several types of dance at the Ballarat Dance School of Distinction, including ballet, jazz, contemporary and musical theatre. At Clarendon, Mahlee has also uncovered an interest in the sporting field, which she says has improved her dancing abilities. “Everything I do at school contributes to my dancing,” said Mahlee. Whether that is developing a focused and effortful mindset during class or working on her physical capacities during sport, Mahlee finds herself with countless opportunities at Clarendon to strengthen her dancing abilities.
Arthur and Alison Drummond have been consistent supporters of Ballarat Clarendon College and the scholarship program over many years. Arthur is Clarendon’s longest serving staff member with 43 years of service, whilst Alison served a remarkable 28 years in the Junior School. As significantly involved members of the school community, they have viewed Clarendon from many different perspectives over their years – as staff members, parents, and as those wanting that same opportunity for others. “We want others, particularly those who may not otherwise have the
opportunity, to share the Clarendon experience,” said Alison. Sending their son Martin (1998) to Clarendon and witnessing how he benefited from a high-quality education motivated Arthur and Alison to contribute to the scholarship program. “If enough people gave even just a small amount, we would contribute meaningfully and valuably to the lives of others,” said Arthur. For Arthur, a Clarendon education is a rich and broad one. He believes that, at Clarendon, academic learning contributes to a much bigger picture; one that is embedded in values, culture and relationships. “Clarendon is a school of great potential and consistent development. It is a worthy place to invest your resources.”
