Nigel Cherk Memorial Scholarship
Past parents, Albert and Rebecca Cherk established a scholarship in memory of their son, Nigel who relished his time at Wesley College. Nigel commenced at the Glen Waverley campus in Year 5 in 1980, and soon settled in under the guidance of various caring and inspiring teachers, not least the devoted Head of Campus at the time, Tony Conabere. Year 6 saw Nigel taking an active interest in maths and science, the germination of his thirst for knowledge that led to his love of reading. His Homeroom teacher in Year 7, Mrs Flood encouraged Nigel in creative writing, culminating in his prize-winning poem, The Sounds of Christmas, written in Year 9 in 1984. He was also encouraged to take part in other activities such as being on the student editorial committee, inter-school spelling contests and being the school orchestra pianist for four years from Years 7 to 10.
Just when Nigel was thriving in the Wesley environment, and looking forward to going to the St Kilda Road Campus for Years 11 and 12, he was diagnosed with leukaemia in September 1985. Despite a courageous struggle, he lost the battle in November the following year, and the rest is a history forever etched into his family’s heart. You can read more about Nigel's story and his writings in a short book, "So Little Time" available in the Wesley College libraries. Apply for the Nigel Clerk Memorial Scholarship