mmg.com.au

Former FCJ College student Jacob Chacko has gained a place on the prestigious Vice-Chancellor’s Ancoro Imparo Student Leadership Program in 2013 at Monash University.

The program, named in honour of Monash University’s motto Ancra Imparo — I am still learning is designed to provide students with an understanding of the visionary and inspirational principles that guide current leaders and have guided leaders in the past.

The flagship program is highly selective and directed towards the most promising of Monash students.

Only 40 first year students are chosen annually and, with 290 applications received for the program, Jacob was highly regarded by the selection committee.

The 10-month course will see Jacob involved in case studies, discussions, seminars, debates and group presentations covering contemporary and historical leadership issues.

Jacob has graced the pages of the Ensignnumerous times because of his outstanding community achievements, and was last February presented with the prestigious Macpherson Smith Rural Foundation Scholarship award.

The scholarship, worth $45000, is awarded to three students in regional areas each year.

Jacob has served as president of Benalla Young Vinnies and co-chairperson of the Young Christian Student movement in Benalla; roles that have involved raising funds for local families at Christmas and for flood victims in Pakistan.

He has also participated in a state parliamentary inquiry into the disadvantage faced by rural youth, in the national Youth Science Week Forum in Canberra and in the APEC Youth Science Festival in Thailand.