Salma Fouad & Mackenzie Li
academic excellence scholarship, 2026
Salma hopes to study medicine at university.
We’re proud to announce Year 12 student Salma Fouad (pictured left) and Year 11 student Mackenzie Li (pictured bottom right) as the recipients of our 2026 Academic Excellence Scholarship.
Valued at $1,500 each, the scholarship support students to pursue specialised learning opportunities, academic enrichment, and future pathways beyond the classroom.
For Salma, the scholarship will support her journey towards a future career in medicine, helping reduce some of the practical barriers associated with the admissions pathway.
“As a student with a longstanding passion for pursuing a career in medicine, receiving this scholarship will enable me to take significant steps throughout the admissions process, while also participating in enriching opportunities to explore the field in a deeper and more informed way,” she says.
“I have the Foundation to thank for transforming this goal from a longtime aspiration into a tangible set of opportunities and next steps toward my future studies.”
Mackenzie is researching complex pain and neuromuscular conditions.
Meanwhile, Mackenzie will use the scholarship to further her research into temporomandibular disorders, neuromuscular dysfunction, and clinical rehabilitation.
“For me, this scholarship will support the continued development of my biomechanics and neuroscience research, helping fund advanced modelling software, manuscript development, and mentorship for international research opportunities,” she says.
“More than anything, this scholarship reminds me that young people’s curiosity is worth investing in; that excellence can, and often does, extend beyond classrooms.”
Congratulations to Salma and Mackenzie on their achievements, and thanks the generous donors helping create opportunities like these for Mac.Rob students.