Ethan Buzza (OSC 2024) receives a UWA Fogarty Foundation scholarship

Scotch College proudly congratulates Old Scotch Collegian Ethan Buzza on being awarded a prestigious UWA Fogarty Foundation Scholarship—one of Western Australia's most distinguished academic awards.

UWA Fogarty Scholarship cohort for 2025
Ethan is pictured third from the left in the back row.

The UWA Fogarty Foundation scholarship

Reserved for a select group of students, the Scholarship recognises not only outstanding academic performance but also exceptional leadership, initiative, and a genuine commitment to community impact.

Ethan's journey to receiving this scholarship was marked by determination, self-reflection, and a clear vision for creating positive change.

The process included a competitive written application and an in-depth panel interview with representatives from the University of Western Australia and the Fogarty Foundation. More than academic excellence, the Scholarship seeks individuals with character, drive, and a mindset geared toward serving others—qualities that Ethan exemplifies.

"Being selected was both an honour and a responsibility, and I'm proud to be part of such a forward-thinking and ambitious cohort of scholars."

Now pursuing a double major in Artificial Intelligence and Finance at UWA, Ethan has already joined a dynamic network of innovators, thinkers, and leaders. The scholarship offers tailored leadership development, access to mentors, and accelerator opportunities that align closely with Ethan's goals in the tech entrepreneurial space.

"The Fogarty Foundation doesn't just support you financially—it invests in your potential to lead and to contribute meaningfully to society."

Entrepreneurial from a young age

A natural entrepreneur, Ethan founded his first venture, Droneify, at just 14 years old, w hile studying at Scotch College. Ethan independently conceptualised and founded Droneify, offering a broad suite of online visualisation technologies, using the school's STEM program as an initial platform to work on the first product—laying the foundation for many more innovations in the years that followed during his time at Scotch. With encouragement from his teachers and access to the School's forward-thinking STEM programme, Ethan turned a classroom idea into a real-world business.

"Scotch was instrumental. That early support—particularly from my teacher, Mr Steve McLean—gave me the confidence and tools to start something of my own."

The International Baccalaureate at Scotch

Ethan also credits the International Baccalaureate (IB) Programme at Scotch for helping him develop the discipline and critical thinking that now underpin his success. Drawn to the IB's focus on global perspectives and personal growth, Ethan thrived in a rigorous academic environment guided by the support of educators like Mr Brendan Zani.

"Meeting Mr Zani was pivotal. His care, knowledge and commitment elevated my IB experience, and no doubt that of every IB student at Scotch."

Ethan Buzza (OSC 2024) presenting at TEDx

A key moment in Ethan's IB journey was the long-term CAS project, during which he co-founded a public speaking club for younger students—an initiative that fuelled his passion for leadership and empowered others to find their voice. That experience led to speaking engagements at TEDx and the Perth Convention Centre, further strengthening his presence as a young leader in the community.

Anderson House at March Out 2024
Ethan can be seen at the start of second row.

A community for life

At Scotch College, community doesn't end at graduation. Whether it's through mentoring, industry connections, or simply shared experiences, the OSC network continues to support students well beyond their school years. In the lead up to applying for his scholarship, Ethan sought advice from Ben Scott (OSC 2021), a 2022 recipient of the UWA Fogarty Foundation Scholarship.

I reached out to Ben Scott for tips when applying for the UWA Fogarty Foundation Scholarship and in doing so had my first experience with the OSC network.  The OSC is an invaluable asset and a life long bond we will all share.

The idea of a community for life is embedded in every aspect of a Scotch education. It's a network built not just on shared schooling, but on shared purpose—and a commitment to supporting one another long after the final bell.

Ethan's story is a powerful example of where a strong educational foundation, character, and ambition can lead. With alumni like Ben Scott (OSC 2021) also among recent recipients of the UWA Fogarty Foundation Scholarship, Scotch College is proud to play a part in Preparing Boys for Life nurturing students who go on to make meaningful contributions in their fields and communities.

We warmly congratulate Ethan on this extraordinary achievement and look forward to seeing the future he builds—for himself and for others.