A former student leader at Sunshine Coast Grammar School who has returned from a year of overseas travel and charity work to enrol at USC has received a Chancellor’s Scholarship.

Jaime Butel, 19, of Mount Coolum has been awarded the scholarship worth up to $20,000 as she starts her Bachelor of International Studies on campus at Sippy Downs.

The 2015 school house captain, prefect and Interact Club president said she was delighted to receive the scholarship as she pursues a globe-trotting career to support sustainable, functioning communities in developing countries.

“I’m very interested in culture, language and sustainability, and USC’s International Studies degree will cover all these aspects,” said Jaime, who earned an OP2 and won her school’s Global Citizens Award in 2015.

A five-time competitor in the annual Japanese Speaking Competition held at USC by the Modern Language Teachers’ Association Qld, Jaime also received an Iwasaki Sangyo Japanese Scholarship Qld in Year 11.

Her love of travel was strengthened during charity work at Encouragement House in Timor-Leste in January last year, and a recent four-month trip to Europe.

“I picked USC so I can still live at home and because it’s a great and emerging university,” she said.

“The scholarship will help me to continue my travels while studying and help with everyday financial expenses.”

USC Chancellor’s Scholarships are awarded for high academic achievement and contributions to the community.

— Julie Schomberg