Three UCOL Wairarapa students have been rewarded with scholarships from the Masterton District Council and Wairarapa REAP (Rural Education Activities Programme) following a rigorous selection process.
Three UCOL Wairarapa students have been rewarded with scholarships from the Masterton District Council and REAP following a rigorous selection process.
Masterton District Council Mayor Lyn Patterson said this was Masterton District Council's way of giving back and helping to ease the financial burden for students. Mayor Patterson said the Council is very supportive of UCOL and the campus. Mayor Patterson presented a scholarship to Selina Bull, a first year Bachelor of Nursing student. Selina decided to she wanted to be a nurse when she saw firsthand the support and care nurses provide their patients.
Janine Devenport, Chair of REAP, presented two scholarships and encouraged everyone to continue learning and to take on board opportunities as they came up. Teresa Churchward, a second year Bachelor of Nursing student, first completed the Certificate in Introduction to Health Science before starting the Nursing Degree. Teresa previously studied Cookery and Baking at UCOL and spent many years working as a chef.
Bailey Rink, a first year student studying the New Zealand Certificate in Cookery, said this is the first scholarship she has received and she was delighted. Bailey developed a passion for cooking while she was a student at Tararua College, and enrolled in the U-Skills Service Industries programme at UCOL. Bailey travels from Pahiatua to Masterton each day for class.
All three students were pleased to be awarded scholarships. Teresa summed it up saying the scholarship meant more than financial assistance, it was a boost to her self-esteem and gave her courage. It was also a reminder that she can go out and achieve her goals.
Dr Lynn, UCOL Chief Executive, said UCOL's role in matching students with scholarship donors and encouraging greater connections between UCOL and the community was rewarding.
The ceremony was held in Te Amorangi wharenui on the Wairarapa campus where successful recipients and their families along with UCOL staff and classmates gathered to celebrate the scholarship awards.
Lead image: UCOL Chief Executive Dr. Lynn, Janine Devenport (Chair of REAP), Bailey Rink, Teresa Churchward, Hannah Chittick, Claire Renor, and Trish Morison (UCOL Nusing Lecturers).
Second image: Selina Bull and Masterton District Council Mayor Lyn Patterson.