A student at Charles Sturt University (CSU) in Dubbo has been awarded a prestigious scholarship for her dedication to teaching. Ms Lea O’Keefe, a fourth year Bachelor of Education student, received a $4 000 NSW Teacher’s Federation scholarship for her commitment to public education. A mother of two, Ms O’Keefe plans to use the money to finance the cost of her studies. A record number of applicants applied for the scholarship funds and Ms O’Keefe was praised for her exemplary original written submission demonstrating understanding of the value of public education. Ms O’Keefe hopes to pursue a career in teaching with a special interest in working in schools with high Indigenous populations. “My course has prepared me for teaching in remote and regional areas, which is where I am most interested in working,” Ms O’Keefe said. “I’m looking forward to putting my training into practice as soon as I complete my degree.”