The gift of opportunity.
“I was so grateful for the financial support, which has been a huge help over the past two years,” she said.
“It was such an emotional moment for my family.”
Tamika and her parents were invited to meet with Margaret Cornwell OAM and her daughter Jane at a special morning tea in 2022 during which she shared her hopes and dreams for the future. And it was a very special moment for Mrs Cornwell when she attended the Class of 2024 Graduation Ceremony and Dinner to celebrate Tamika’s accomplishments along with the entire Year 12 cohort.
Receiving the means-tested Bursary gave Tamika the extra drive to reach her academic goals in her final years of study.
“It made me really focused and motivated on the goals I’m trying to achieve academically, and to work even harder,” Tamika said.
“I think knowing I have the Bursary has been really important for me; I’m trying to uphold the values of what it means.”
The Archer Family Bursary is an annual option for a Year 10 student that provides support in reduced tuition fees for the duration of their senior studies in Years 11–12. The Bursary is named in honour of the Archer family, particularly Mr Keith Archer OBE, a valued member of the CGGS Board, Parents & Friends Association and a founding member of the Gabriel Foundation. His daughter, Margaret Cornwell OAM, donates the funds to enable the Archer Family Bursary, established by Margaret and her daughter Jane Lewis in 2022. This generous gift has a profound impact on senior student recipients.
“…the Bursary has been really important for me; I’m trying to uphold the values of what it means.”
Tamika met the Bursary criteria of embodying strong School spirit through her work, community spirit through service or leadership, compassion for others and a strong work ethic.
Tamika is currently applying for universities across Australia, with the goal to work in healthcare.
“I would like to get into health science,” she said. “From a pretty young age, I’ve always wanted to do something in healthcare.”
Starting her CGGS journey in Kindergarten, Tamika says her years at the School allowed her to access many incredible opportunities.
“The support from all my teachers over the years has really helped me grow academically,” she said.
“I have made so many lifelong friendships since I’ve been here, and I have had so many opportunities such as the co-curricular activities or getting to travel to new places. I played piano for many years and was in the soccer team for most of my time here.”
While finishing at the School still feels surreal, Tamika is grateful for her time at CGGS and says her last day was an emotional one.
“I am extremely thankful to the Archer Family Bursary for giving me and other students this opportunity.”