Sir Reginald Ansett Scholarship for Aviation winner announced
In Summary
Jaryd Wetzel has been named this year’s recipient of the Sir Reginald Ansett Scholarship for Aviation at Swinburne University of Technology.
The scholarship, established to honour the legacy of aviation pioneer Sir Reginald Ansett, is worth $30,000 over three years of study and is awarded annually to a student undertaking a Bachelor of Aviation.
Jaryd, who is from Sommerville, has a dream of one day flying F-35s for the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF). His love for flying started from the age of five when his father took him to Tyabb airport to watch planes take off and land.
Jaryd went to Bayside Christian College in Langwarrin and received his VCE in 2013. In 2014 he had a gap year and worked full time to earn money towards his further education as a pilot. In 2015 he started the Bachelor of Aviation course at Swinburne.
He has logged 60 hours dual and solo on a range of aircraft from CAE Oxford Aviation Academy’s C172 to the Air Force’s CT4-B.
The scholarship is administered by Equity Trustees, through its role as trustee of the R.M. Ansett Trust, and is awarded to students undertaking the Swinburne aviation degree who have outstanding academic achievements, show real aptitude for aviation and can demonstrate financial need.
The R.M. Ansett Trust was established under Sir Reginald’s will with the aim of helping children to take their place in life. The Ansett Trust distributes over $1 million annually through social equity scholarships at secondary schools and tertiary institutions, and grants to charities supporting children in Victoria.