TLC study scholarships announced
16 October 2018
Five outstanding young people have been awarded the first ever Inspiring Local Minds Scholarships from The Lines Company (TLC).
TLC offered the scholarships to local school leavers for the first time this year and will provide them annually in the future. The scholarships are for secondary students pursuing further education or training linked to skills needed by TLC and the wider community. Twenty-five applications were received.
Paige Coffin-Bell, head girl at Piopio College, received a special TLC Chair’s Award, in recognition of her outstanding track record and application. Paige was awarded $3,000 per year for three years to support her study towards a Bachelor of Laws degree at the University of Waikato.
TLC chair Mark Darrow said Paige’s application and presentation were “absolutely outstanding”. As well as the head girl, Paige was a house captain, kapa haka co-tutor, netball coach and representative player, member of the Waitomo Youth Council and more.
“Paige has a strong set of values that align with TLC’s own values. She displays an outstanding commitment to her community and has clear leadership qualities. TLC is enormously proud to support her on her journey and we look forward to seeing all that she will achieve,” Darrow said.
Other scholarship winners were Gemma Gaukrodger from Te Kūiti who plans to pursue Bachelor of Commerce studies at either the University of Waikato or the University of Victoria. Scott Fraser from Ruapehu College intends studying towards a Bachelor of Engineering degree at the University of Canterbury.
Judah Lyon, also from Ruapehu College, will be supported in his Bachelor of Engineering Technology degree from Auckland University. The fifth scholarship winner was Nick Slegers from National Park who also intends pursuing a Bachelor of Engineering at the University of Canterbury.
Gemma, Scott, Judah and Nick will each receive $2,000 per year for three years towards their tuition.
Darrow, who led the scholarship assessment panel, said he was impressed by each of the applicants and that meeting them face-to-face was inspiring.
“They were all very humble, with great attitudes and hugely impressive applications. They displayed an amazing commitment to their community and well as to their study and other activities. If this is the quality of people coming out of our community, our future is in great shape.”
Darrow said TLC was pleased to see a wide range of careers being pursued as well as representation from right across the network area. He hoped that next year, more school leavers looking at trades and other training would also apply for the TLC scholarships.
The assessment panel also included Ruapehu District deputy mayor Karen Ngatai, manager of No 12 Hilary Karaitiana and TLC’s general manager customer service and communications, Jo Ireland.