Mavis’ beautiful nature, matched with her resilience and commitment to empowering young Indigenous women is what made her stand out and a worthy recipient of the scholarship.
“Mavis is an extremely inspirational young woman,” says Pippa Holmes, WA State Director at Schiavello. “She came from tough circumstances but is an absolute go-getter – a sporting superstar. She’s represented the state in netball, cricket and AFL as well as previously receiving a Netball Program Scholarship.”
An exemplar of the Indigenous community, Mavis serves as a leader in the Girls Academy at her school, a program that increases the skills, employability, mental health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander girls throughout Australia. In the future, she wants to open an Indigenous Girls Academy, to inspire more Indigenous girls to get an education and achieve successful careers. And sooner down the line, Mavis aims to get into sports and recreation, and play in the AFLW after she finishes high school this year.
The 17-year-old Yamaji and Torres Strait Islander attends Girrawheen Senior High School and in addition to the usual pressures of exams, essays, grades and a growing personal life, she has also faced a number of difficulties that aren’t so commonplace. With eight siblings, Mavis comes from a large family. Her father was left unable to work after he suffered a stroke, meaning Mavis’ mother is the sole income earner for the family. Despite this, she has pushed her children to complete school and excel in the sports of their choice, and spends her weekends driving them to practice.
Overcoming adversity to achieve what she has so far, Mavis is already an impressive young woman and Schiavello is proud to support her through her final year of study.
“She has an extremely bright future. She’s incredibly driven and passionate, not only regarding her own goals and dreams but also about giving back to others,” says Kyle Vander Kuyp, Indigenous Engagement Manager at Schiavello. “I know she will use the money well.”
The YAL Schiavello Indigenous Scholarship is presented to an Indigenous student residing in Western Australia and is to the value of up to $9000 over three years of study. The recipient also gains access to two mentors, provided by Schiavello. Mavis’ mentors are Pippa Holmes and Kyle Vander Kuyp, an ex-Olympian, who will both assist Mavis in developing connections to make her personal and sporting goals come true.
The Young Australia League supports disadvantaged youth through scholarships sponsored by philanthropic companies.