Scholarship helps realise dreams

AS a grade five pupil, Tom Jenkins was encouraged to audition for the Ballarat Clarendon College school musical.

With the willingness to try something new, he auditioned, securing his first-ever role as Flounder in The Little Mermaid.

A passion for performing, especially singing, was born that year. Now in year 12, he’s been on stage in every school show since, was selected to perform a VCE Theatre Studies monologue in Top Acts, and has been nominated for a Victorian Theatre Guild Award.

But Jenkins’ latest achievement is one that has made him most humbled, becoming the 2021 recipient of the Rotary Club of Ballarat’s Winston Loveland Scholarship of $1000.

“I’m really grateful for the opportunity to receive this award. With Winston Loveland being an Old Collegian and a very gifted musician, it means a lot,” he said.

An acoustic and electric guitarist, who often uses a loop station to create accompanying tracks for his own musical works, Jenkins’ main strength is still his vocals.

He was nominated by Ballarat Clarendon College for the prestigious scholarship which he said will “broaden my horizons,” as he finishes secondary school and further explores music.

“My first idea is to purchase some recording software and technology to release more songs. I have one on Spotify, and am hoping to record an EP at the end of this year with six or seven of my original songs,” he said.

“It stops becoming a dream, and now becomes a goal.”

When Jenkins received the scholarship at a recent Rotary Club of Ballarat meeting, he was energised by the Rotarians’ warmth, passion, and desire to help others.

“Being part of that community, even briefly, was inspiring,” he said. When I set up my equipment, I want to set up some other local musicians, collaborate and assist them.”