Scholarship ceremonies focus on celebration, encouragement and connection

Many will remember those days of crossing the stage to receive BOP Education Trust scholarships. Well, for some it’s a memory only a few months’ old.

This year’s recipients crossed the stage to receive their scholarships at functions held in Tauranga and Whakatāne in late January.

The most recent Western Bay of Plenty recipients are: Dylan Tran (Aquinas College), Noelle Tito (Bethlehem College), Kate Downes (Katikati College), Cole Frazer and Shiloh Warner (both of Mount Maunganui College), Noah Douglas and Rosa Sharp (both of Ōtūmoetai College), Alex Freeman and Kobe Buckley (Tauranga Boys’ College), Kyla Chen and Aahana Narang (Tauranga Girls’ College), Riley Horton and Marese Taumata (Te Puke High School), Renee Thomas and James Jeffrey (Papamoa College) and Eden Brears (Te Wharekura O Mauao).

Pictured at the Tauranga ceremony are BOP Education Trust Chairman Nick Earl, left, with trustee Jonny Beadle, right, and scholarship award winners.  From left, back row, Dylan Tran, Cole Frazer and Riley Horton. Middle row, Shiloh Warner, Kate Downes, Kobe Buckley and Noah Douglas. Front row, James Jeffrey, Rosa Sharp, Aahana Narang, Kyla Chen and Noelle Tito.

The most recent Eastern Bay of Plenty recipients are: Mieka Miller (Rangitaiki College – formerly Edgecumbe College), Ethan Beach (Ōpōtiki College), Abeleye Turner-Manzonza (Tarawera College), Leah Bowe-Green (Trident High School), Rubi Kennedy and Harleen Kaur (Whakatāne High School).

Gathered at the Whakatāne ceremony are, from left, Mieke Miller, Ethan Beach, Rubi Kennedy and Leah Bowe-Green.

BOPET Chairman Nick Earl reminded those gathered that “the transformative value education has on youth and communities should not be underestimated. Education is a powerful tool”.

This year’s recipients will be heading off to study a whole raft of subjects including: biomedical science, aerospace engineering and astronomy, occupational therapy, nursing, computer science, mechanical and civil engineering, architecture, veterinary science, and health science.

The Trust has now assisted more than 450 students through its Science, Technology and Emerging Industries Scholarships. That’s more than $2.2 million gifted in supportive funding.