Two Karratha graduates awarded Yara grants to help fulfil uni dreams

Two high achievers who are going to university this year have been awarded a $20,000 scholarship to help fulfil their academic dreams. Karratha Senior High School graduate Joel Bulla and St Luke’s graduate Monique Jiritano received the Yara Pilbara academic excellence scholarship this month. Mr Bulla said he would be studying a double major in physics and engineering sciences at The University of Western Australia to help him achieve his dream of being an astronaut. He said he had always been fascinated by science and thought space looked beautiful and serene. “My dream job is to be an astronaut because I want to go to space, and I’m grateful to everyone who helped get me the scholarship, from teachers, parents and friends,” he said. Mr Bulla said the funds would go towards paying rent while he was studying the three-year course. Ms Jiritano said she would be using the grant to help her achieve her dream of becoming an engineer when she begins studying at Curtin University this year. “I’ve always been interested in science and maths and just thought it would be a good career pathway,” she said. She said she did not expect to get the grant but thought her grades and academic achievements made her stand out. “I’m very excited to start a new life in Perth and meet lots of new people and start studying,” she said.