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Lainey's story

Lainey grew up in the rural area of Nebo, west of Mackay. When she reached secondary school, boarding in Mackay was not a financial option for her family. Lainey stayed at home and studied years 8-10 under the guidance of the Brisbane School of Distance Education.

Although Lainey did well academically, the limiting nature of home schooling left her vastly unprepared, socially, for ‘the real world’.

To achieve her goal of attending university, Lainey’s parents knew the best thing for her was to board at Whitsunday Anglican School in Mackay. The family reached out to the Doug Hall Foundation, and Lainey was awarded a bursary for Years 11 and 12.

Whitsunday Anglican School has been a great support to Lainey. As well as receiving several academic awards, she has had the opportunity to travel to Brisbane to participate in the State Optimind championships. Lainey has also been able to further her interests in Art. She entered the Paxton Portrait Prize Competition, where she won first prize in her category.

Boarding school has proved an excellent opportunity for Lainey to expand her social skills, and she has been making the most of her time there. This year, she was offered an Office Bearer position as Boarding Captain in her school house.

Lainey says: “Being a boarder at Whitsunday Anglican School has pushed me to develop socially and overcome personal boundaries. It has also challenged me to achieve academic success. None of which I would have been able to do previously. I will remain grateful to the Doug Hall Foundation well beyond my academic life.” 

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A helping hand to change a life

After years of home schooling, talented artist Lainey is now thriving as a boarder at Whitsunday Anglican School in Mackay.