Students join world forum

An impressive nine of the 27 WA participants chosen to go on this year’s NatureBridge expeditions courtesy of the Alcoa Foundation are from the South West.

Emma Tinley and Jade Allen, both of Leschenault, Jordan Brown, of Harvey, Emily Bridges, of Gelorup, Will Massara, of Bunbury, Jasmine Cogan, of Dalyellup, Fergus Scoffern, of Collie, along with Ryan Hannah and Lincoln Hawke-Dufall, of Waroona, will all travel to the USA in July or August to learn about teamwork and reducing climate change.

The group will mingle with 54 others from around the world where they will learn about and share each other’s cultures.

Bunbury Cathedral Grammar School student Jordan said the most exciting prospect was to meet so many people from different cultures and help the environment.

“My excitement out of 10 is a solid 12 ... in fact 100,” she said.

“We’re all going to help the environment, it’s all for the same cause.

“It’s such a big opportunity, I’m so grateful to Alcoa.”

Fellow participant Emma Tinley shared Jordan’s enthusiasm and said she could not wait to “explore an untouched national park with like-minded people from all corners of the globe.”

The Alcoa Foundation has awarded 351 scholarships since the inaugural NatureBridge expedition in 2014, 84 of them benefiting students from WA.

Alcoa of Australia managing director Michael Parker said the program aimed to inspire high school students to become long-term environmental stewards.

“We are building the next generation of sustainability ambassadors and we strongly believe that being immersed in nature while studying science will have long-term impacts on these young people,” he said.