Transforming Lives: Penrhos Scholarships
Passionate about ballet, art, piano and maths, meet Academic Scholarship recipient, Justina Tang!
Every year, the Penrhos College Foundation makes dreams come true for talented young girls and women to benefit from an education at Penrhos. We visited Justina and her parents to share her scholarship experience with us.
It all started with a phone call that would have a lasting effect on the family.
“I think I will remember that moment forever,” says mother, Shirley Shen. “I answered the call from Penrhos, and when they said, ‘Congratulations, your daughter Justina Tang has received the scholarship…’ – I just froze. I couldn’t believe it!”
The joy in the Tang family spread quickly: “I was so happy I told all of my friends in school,” recalls Justina.
The Tang Family
Now in Year 10, Justina is in her fourth year of her academic scholarship. She loves all the opportunities the College offers and is particularly grateful that Penrhos encourages girls to explore science and maths-related fields through the STEM program.
“Already by Year 4, Maths was my favourite subject and I wanted to study more of it,” explains Justina – and she did. On Sundays she goes to math extension classes, and during the week she attends the Maths Mentor Program at school.
The list of the various maths, art and music competitions Justina has participated in over the years is long – and so is the list of her awards. Justina’s accomplishments range from science and dance awards to certificates of outstanding academic performance and high achievement.
Justina dancing
“I feel like I kind of have a responsibility and obligation to do well. Since I have received this scholarship, it motivates me to get good grades and study more,”
Her love for maths and her hard work are taking her on a memorable adventure. “I was very excited to be selected to go the maths competition in Korea.”
Justina, together with a strong team of 22 Penrhos girls, went to the World Mathematics Team Championships in Korea to compete against schools from around the world.
“We were very excited and happy for her,” says father, Kai. “It was the first time she has gone overseas without us, and it was a great opportunity for her to learn and mature more.”
2023 World Mathematics Team Championship
Positive transformation
Justina’s parents are proud of her achievements but equally grateful for the positive impact the scholarship is having on her personal development.
“The scholarship has transformed her,” says Shirley. “Justina used to be a very shy girl, without any confidence. The scholarship has given her lots of confidence, academically and personally. She believes now she can do almost anything.”
Enjoying giving back
It’s this confidence that is also helping Justina when doing community service. She enjoys being a Big Sister to the Year 7 girls, helping them to transition smoothly into Secondary School. Giving back is what Justina is truly passionate about.
“I want to work in a STEM-related field, maybe as a scientist or in medical research. Helping people would be good, and learning something new every day would also be really interesting.”
Justina's drawing and her playing the piano
2026 Scholarships open now!
Whether it's academic excellence, creative flair, or simply the commitment to learning within our stimulating environment - we offer opportunities for students across the board.
