It was an emotional morning at VFA Learning’s Geelong campus on Wednesday, 5th March, as staff and family gathered to honour the late Kate Scorgie, a remarkable nursing student whose perseverance, passion, and dedication left an incredible mark on the community. Despite battling cancer while completing her HLT54121 Diploma of Nursing, Kate’s unwavering commitment to her studies and her dream of becoming a nurse will continue to inspire those around her.
To honour her memory, the VFA nursing lab was renamed The Perseverance Lab, a tribute to Kate’s strength, resilience, and determination. The unveiling ceremony, attended by Kate’s family and VFA staff, marked an emotional and heartfelt moment of reflection and celebration.
A legacy of strength and determination
Kate’s journey was nothing short of extraordinary. Diagnosed with leukemia in 2017, she began her nursing studies at VFA in 2020 but had to pause her education due to intensive treatments. Yet, she never gave up. With the incredible support of the VFA Learning nursing team, she completed her diploma and achieved her lifelong goal of becoming a nurse.
In her own words, from a 2023 journal entry shared by her mother with VFA:
“I finally receive that piece of paper that looks like nothing at all but costs a lot of money, blood, sweat, and tears to get. An 18-month course interrupted and completed over three years due to health reasons—yet no one gave up on me, I never gave up on me, and I finally can say I am a nurse.”
An inspiring tribute for future nurses
During the unveiling, VFA Learning’s CEO, Rathini Sonnadara, expressed her admiration for Kate’s legacy and the dedication of the VFA staff who supported her:
“Today is a testament to the impact Kate had on our community. Naming this space after her ensures that her perseverance will continue to inspire future generations of nurses.”
VFA Training Manager, Catherine Cross, shared heartfelt words about the day’s significance:
“There were lots of laughs, tears, and stories shared. It was a beautiful moment, and we are incredibly proud of the support and dedication our team provided to Kate during her studies.”
The lab’s new name, The Perseverance Lab, was chosen to reflect Kate’s defining trait—her determination to succeed despite her challenges. Nursing trainer Rebecca Zammit, who worked closely with Kate, emphasised the deeper meaning behind the name:
“To name something after someone is special, but to make it mean more, we gave it a word—Perseverance. Every nurse who faces a challenge on their journey can look at this and see Kate’s name underneath, reminding them to keep going.”
A lasting impact
Kate’s family was deeply moved by the tribute, with her mother, Leesa Scorgie, sharing how much her daughter’s journey meant to her:
“Kate never wanted to be treated differently. She never used her illness as an excuse—she just kept pushing forward. Seeing how much she meant to the team at VFA is truly heartwarming.”
The Perseverance Lab now stands as a symbol of resilience and inspiration for all current and future VFA Learning nursing students. It serves as a reminder that challenges can be overcome, and dreams can be achieved through dedication and the support of a caring community.
VFA Learning is honoured to celebrate Kate’s legacy and remains committed to fostering a supportive and empowering environment for all students.
