WINCHESTER Rotary’s latest ‘Georgia Scholar’ is Isla Bone.

Isla, who has lived in Winchester all her life, has just completed her A Levels at Peter Symonds College.

Last year’s programme had to be cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Isla is due to travel to the University of Georgia, Athens, USA on August 1.

The Georgia Rotary Student Programme (GRSP) set up by Rotary Clubs in Georgia, allows students from all over the world to take up an ambassadorial scholarship, providing they meet certain criteria, and are recommended by a Rotary club in their home country.

On June 23 Isla met the Mayor Cllr Vivian Achwal, at Abbey House.

The meeting was arranged by Winchester Rotarian Steve Feeney, who coordinates local applications.

The visit to the Mayor has become something of a tradition, and also present was the President of Winchester Rotary, Richard Spalding.

Isla, who plans to study English Literature and Drama on return from her year in Georgia, explained to the Mayor that she was encouraged by the example of her uncle, who had benefited from a Rotary scholarship abroad several years ago.

While in Georgia, she will live on campus, but will also have a local Rotary host family, with whom she is already in contact and was delighted to discover that they have family connections with Winchester.

Mr Feeney said: “We would very much like more young people to apply, it is a wonderful opportunity to spend a year in Georgia - too good an opportunity to miss! Students have to be over 18 and under 25. The programme website is: www.grsp.org, where further information and testimonials from students can be found.

“If you are aware of anyone who might be interested, please get in touch by emailing: grsp@winchester-rotary.org”.