Scholarship Recipients

2025 Scholarship Recipients

SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS 2025!
Wow! We were blown away by the incredible applicants for the 2025 Advance Ashburton Community Foundation Scholarships and very proud to present 41 scholarships with a combined total of $180,000 to our amazing recipients last night.
This is a new record for Advance Ashburton and reflects the wonderful generosity of our Donors as well as the high standard of our recipients.
Congratulations to our Mid Canterbury community for continuing to produce stellar young people who are passionate, hardworking, motivated, and giving back to their community in so many ways. The future of our District is so bright!
Our deserving recipients for 2025 are:
Smyth Scholarship – Laura Winchester and Ben Simons
Kate Syme Scholarship – Chloe Robinson
Glass Family Scholarship – June Tilialo and Janre Lim
van der Kley Family Scholarship – Anna Tu’amoheloa
Graham Gunn Music Scholarship – Chloe Graham
Colin & Alison Crampton Music and Arts Scholarship – Isabel Wang
Johnston Brothers Health Science Scholarship – Lauren Pluck, Leah Johnson, Olivia Pearce and Annina Birt
Dennis & Barbara Taylor Nursing Scholarship – Charlotte Gray
Ashburton UFS Health Science Scholarship – Brianna Sloper, Magdalene Haugh, Laura Doig, Olivia Studholme, Kaimana Acidera, Elizabeth Galletly, Darren Cavill and Amelia Harris
Tinwald Club Scholarship – Neil Alombro
Rotary Club of Ashburton Plains Scholarship – Nathan Speedy
Ashburton Jaycees Personal Development Scholarship – Molly Jones, Ella Rickard and Olivia Fox
Ashburton Jaycees Industry Training Scholarship – Nicholas Collie, Keegan Gentle, Faith Tait, Joel McDonald and Isobel McMahon
Ian Glassey Memorial Scholarship – Amelie Robertson and Jorja Roulston
Parsons Family Scholarship – Eddie Millichamp
Cameron Family Scholarship – Grace Bleach
Frank Crampton Agricultural Scholarship – Victoria Talbot and Sam Orr
Advance Ashburton Scholarship – Jessica Bleach and Sarah Wilcox
Neil Sinclair Memorial Scholarship – Rosie Gray

2024 Scholarship recipients

Congratulations to the recipients of the 2024 Advance Ashburton Community Foundation Scholarships!
This year, 30 people from our wonderful district have been awarded scholarships to contribute towards their study, training, or personal development. These scholarships are made possible by our generous donors who selflessly give back to our community to support the next generation of talented young people.

2024 Advance Ashburton Community Foundation Scholarship recipients are:
Smyth Scholarship
Tia McCallum and Brenda Kingsford
Parsons Family Scholarship
Isla Miers and Chloe Small
Ian Glassey Memorial Scholarship
Samantha Fitzgerald and Emma-Louise Stagg
Kate Syme Scholarship
Sifala Sigaga
Colin and Alison Crampton Music & Arts Scholarship
Molly Harrison and Simone Forster Lobato de Faria
Johnston Brothers Health Science Scholarship
Kate Flanagan and Elise Heffernan
Dennis & Barbara Taylor Nursing Scholarship
Megan Harrison and Grace Richan
Cameron Family Scholarship
Leah Berquist
Glass Family Scholarship
Nikkita Harmer
Tinwald Club Scholarship
Jack Bull
Rotary Club of Ashburton Plains Scholarship
Ella Smyth
Ashburton Jaycees Personal Development Scholarship
Isobel Brook and Kyla Clement
Ashburton Jaycees Training Scholarship
Charlotte Mulder
Ashburton Jaycees Industry Training Scholarship
Hamish Kerr, Oliver Davidson, Jack Gibbons, Sophie Smith and Jacob Swan
Ashburton UFS Health Science Scholarship
Ella McSweeney, Shania Stempa and Millicent O’Connor
Frank Crampton Agricultural Scholarship
Jonty King
Neil Sinclair Memorial Scholarship
Jonty Small

2023 Scholarship recipients

Advance Ashburton Community Foundation 2023 Scholarship Presentation Ceremony
The 2023 Scholarship Presentation Ceremony was held at the Ashburton Event Centre on Tuesday 31 January. Scholarships with a combined value of almost $113,000 were presented to 27 recipients from Mid Canterbury for study, training and personal development.

The scholarships are highly sought after and the calibre of recipients in 2023 was excellent. The application process is rigorous with a written application followed by a personal interview with Advance Ashburton Trustees and relevant industry leaders, followed by referee endorsements. Aside from their continued excellence in their studies or training, each recipient this year has demonstrated a willingness to give back to their community through coaching, leadership or volunteer work.

Three new scholarships were awarded in 2023. The inaugural Dennis & Barbara Taylor Nursing Scholarship was awarded to Caroline Murdoch who is in her final year of a Master of Nursing Science. Classical voice student, Erin Connelly-Whyte, was the recipient of the Colin & Alison Crampton Music Scholarship, and Penny Stilgoe, studying a Bachelor of Agriculture at Lincoln University, won the Frank Crampton Agricultural Scholarship.
The premier scholarship of the evening was presented to teacher-in-training, Sarah Rawlings. Sarah impressed the interview panel as the sort of teacher who will make a real difference in the lives of her students and was awarded the Neil Sinclair Memorial Scholarship. Neil Sinclair was passionate about supporting the Ashburton Community and established the Advance Ashburton Community Foundation in 2003. Neil was represented at the ceremony by his wife, Jeanette, who was pleased to award the scholarship to Sarah as a very worthy recipient.

2023 Advance Ashburton Community Foundation Scholarship recipients are:
Smyth Scholarship
Kavan Faoagali and Caitlin Muckle
Parsons Family Scholarship
Angus Mears and Emma McDowell
Ian Glassey Memorial Scholarship
Emma-Louise Stagg
Graham Gunn Music Scholarship
Ngahuia Maeva
Colin & Alison Crampton Music Scholarship
Erin Connelly-Whyte
Johnston Brothers Health Science Scholarship
Sarah du Toit and Violet Eaton
Dennis & Barbara Taylor Nursing Scholarship
Caroline Murdoch
Cameron Family Scholarship
Gemma Whiting
Ashburton Hearing Association Scholarship
Caleb McNulty
Tinwald Club Scholarship
Annabel Spicer
Rotary Club of Ashburton Plains Scholarship
Madison Trusler-Clark
Ashburton Jaycees Personal Development Scholarship
Emma Simonsen
Ashburton Jaycees Industry Training Scholarship
Mihaela Bec, Emma Begg, Amanda Johnson, Nicholas Rattray, Jacob Swan, Brodie Winstone, and Mickele Young
Ashburton UFS Health Science Scholarship
Hannah McDougall and Drew Porter
Frank Crampton Agricultural Scholarship
Penny Stilgoe
Advance Ashburton Scholarship
Harriet Stock
Neil Sinclair Memorial Scholarship
Sarah Rawlings

2022 Scholarship Recipients

The winner of the Neil Sinclair Memorial Scholarship for 2022 is Kathryn Page.
Kathryn is completing a Graduate Diploma in Science Technology majoring in Psychology and will follow this with a Master of Science Psychology with endorsement in Health Psychology at Ara – Kathryn is a qualified nurse and worked in many emergency departments in rural and remote areas of Australia, has been a medic in NZ Airforce and a nurse at Ashburton Hospital. Community wise she has been involved in Habitat for Humanity building project in Fiji and been on the Medic Ship in Papua New Guinea. She loves the outdoors and is a passionate trail runner, her greatest personal achievement to date is raising her 6-year-old daughter. With the life experiences that Kathryn has had and the continuing education she is undertaking we know that Kathryn will contribute greatly to her chosen profession on completion of her studies.

Photo:
Jeanette Sinclair with recipient Kathryn Page.

Alister Smyth Scholarship:
Roslyn Cuter
Georgia Harvey
Harrison Mckee
Gwyneth and Barry Parsons Scholarship:
Isaac Langley
Thomas Schmack
Rosemary Taggart
Johnston Brothers Scholarship:
Gemma Taylor
Artem Kravchenko
Ian Glassey Memorial Scholarship:
Ella Yeatman
Sophie Bonnington
Samantha Fitzgerald
Graham Gunn Scholarship:
Erin Connelly-Whyte
Tinwald Club Scholarship:
Josh Jones
Glen McClea

Plains Rotary - Industry Training Scholarship:
Kyle Proffit
Ashburton Jaycees - Personal Development Scholarship:
Penny Costello
Jamie Smitheram
Ashburton Jaycees - Industry Training Scholarship:
Nicholas Ross
Vernon Roux
Amber Rose
Erin Watson
Isileli Ula
James Smith
George Seque
Kaden Forrester
UFS Health Science Scholarship
Simon Aitken-Wheeler
Aleisha Miller
Kate O'Reilly
Ruby Goodes
Bianca Birchler-Stockdill
Neil Sinclair Memorial Scholarship
Kathryn Page

2019 Scholarship Recipients

Ella Bonnington - 2019 Scholarship recipient
Throughout my Bachelor of Nursing degree I have had so many amazing experiences. Through placements such as working with the intellectually disabled on a mental health placement, working on a high acuity cardio-thoracic ward, doing school-based nursing at two local Christchurch high schools and my final placement was working at the Christchurch Emergency Department.
The final year of my degree was challenging however I felt as though everything I had learnt over the past three years academically finally clicked into place and I was able to apply this knowledge into my nursing practice. On Tuesday the 19th of November 2019 I had my final exam and shortly after I was emailed a job offer by the Emergency Department in Christchurch. The offer was for a full-time position as a NetP registered nurse (new grad registered nurse). I felt very honoured to be picked for the job as it was a highly sought after role. Being a NetP student means that I will have extra support from colleagues, and I will work alongside the CDHB to complete a small number of assignments.
On the 10th of February 2020 I started my career. I have only been here for two months, but I can safely say it is where I want to be and I’m learning more and more every day. I want to say a huge thank you to both the UFS and the Johnston Brothers because without their generosity through Advance Ashburton it would not be possible for me to have gotten to this point. I feel very privileged that my community wants students like me to be able to reach their career/academic goals and I hope to be able to give back to my community in Ashburton one day soon.
Thank you again, Ella.

Melissa McMullan - 2019 Scholarship Recipient
I was lucky to receive the Cameron Family Scholarship this year to help me with my final year of a Master of Planning at Lincoln University. This scholarship has been integral to my success this year as it has allowed me to focus on my studies without having to rely as heavily on part-time employment. It was also amazing to receive recognition from my home town that my work was worthy of financial support.

Kieren Bell - 2019 Agricultural Scholarship Recipient
I am currently in my third year studying a four year Agriculture Science Degree at Lincoln University. Being a recipient of this Scholarship was an absolute honor. It has contributed towards a share of my university fees, which has helped me to keep my student loan as little as possible. This has decreased the financial stress and allowed me to focus on my academic studies, meaning that I can achieve the best grades possible.

Victoria Grant - 2019 Environmental Scholarship Recipient
I am in my final semester at the University of Otago where I am completing my Master of Science, majoring in Geography.
I am very fortunate and blessed to have received this scholarship which has been a significant contributor towards my studies, allowing me to concentrate on my studies whilst alleviating the financial burden associated with a masters degree, which in my case includes travel costs and accommodation for my important field work. This has enabled me to further my passion in the urban hydrological field and I look forward to making a career from the knowledge gained whilst making a difference through a scientific approach to the environment.

Leigh Harrison - 2019 Industry Training Scholarship Recipient
Being a recipient of this scholarship has been an amazing help at kick-starting my hairdressing career. It has enabled me to set myself up with scissors, mannequins and other training tools to learn everything I can throughout my first year of my apprenticeship. I would like to sincerely thank Advance Ashburton for awarding me the scholarship and allowing me the opportunity to set myself up for my apprenticeship.

Harry Rosevear - 2019 Ashburton Plains Rotary Club Industry Training Scholarship Recipient
Receiving this scholarship was a great opportunity to develop a learning platform for my trade and the necessary skills required in Engineering. I am currently halfway through my second year of my apprenticeship out of a four year programme. I really enjoy what I do and I cant wait to further develop my skills and knowledge and embrace new opportunities.

Chanaide Fulton - 2019 Personal Development Scholarship Recipient
Receiving an Advance Ashburton Scholarship gave me the final push to take the leap of faith and attend an Outward Bound course. It made it a priority and one I am very thankful for now.
I attended the Outward Bound 5 Day Professional Leadership course. The course exceeded any expectations I previously had. Not only was it a professional development course, we touched on every aspect of our lives; family, health, relationships and career.
Reflecting on the experience, I am almost lost for words to describe an experience of a lifetime. Rest assured, I walked away with no regrets! The course was not only an opportunity to make lifelong friends, but designed to challenge you physical, mentally and emotionally.

Scott Kelland - 2019 Health Science Scholarship Recipient
I am currently in my third year of a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery degree at the University of Otago. I was awarded a Johnston Brother’s Scholarship at the beginning of this year. The scholarship has helped me purchase medical textbooks and equipment to aid me in my studies and helped to relieve some of the financial strain of being a student. It’s a pretty good feeling knowing that your local community will support you with your studies and career aspirations.

Diana Barbu - 2019 Health Science Scholarship Recipient
Receiving my Advance Ashburton scholarship has been a great help towards my studies at university this year. I am currently enrolled in the Health Sciences program at the University of Otago with hopes of getting into medicine. With my scholarship money, I was able to fund an iPad pro and Apple pencil which have been amazing for my study this year particularly since I take a science course. This means a majority of the content is diagrams and illustrations rather than text so being able to annotate right onto the lecture slides has been a huge advantage. I am very grateful to Advance Ashburton and the further community for their generosity as it has supported myself and many of my peers in pursuing further education.

Rebekah Hill - Standing Up for What Matters

Being truly passionate about something and standing up for what you believe in is encouraged in our youth, perhaps more now than ever before, but actively following your passion often requires significant sacrifices in terms of time, money and resources. This is where Advance Ashburton Community Foundation can and has assisted in our region.

Rebekah Hill was born in Taranaki but for the past decade she has called Mid Canterbury, and more specifically Methven, home. She is passionate about rural areas in the Mid Canterbury community and wants to give-back after the opportunities she has experienced growing up here.

“I truly believe that protecting the environment will be New Zealand’s success, and ultimately Mid Canterbury’s success, if we implement changes sensitive to place and rural livelihoods. Growing up on a farm in Methven has made me optimistic about the potential to find policy solutions that economically, socially, environmentally and culturally benefit communities and rural New Zealand.”

“My upbringing and chosen fields of law and science have given me a realistic and broad understanding of New Zealand’s environmental challenges, rather than adhering to the somewhat misguided “urban versus rural” divide that is sometimes adopted by New Zealanders”, explains Rebekah.

Internationally, relevant topics such as climate change are debated at a very high level and Rebekah has committed to understanding aspects such as governance, how decisions are made and how effective these decisions are in practical terms.

“I’ve been interested in climate change and politics ever since I can remember, so I chose to study Law and a Bachelor of Science majoring in Environmental Studies at university. This led to an incredible opportunity at the start of this summer when I attended the 24th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (“COP24”), in Katowice, Poland, keen to learn as much as possible amongst 30,000 government officials, scientists, businesses and activists, at the biggest and arguably most important conference in the world.”

Rebekah was awarded the Neil Sinclair Memorial Scholarship to assist her with her studies during 2019. Rebekah says receiving the scholarship “was a huge honour and a wonderful show of support for my future endeavours in this field.”

“I am so grateful that I will be able to continue to capitalise on my passions and existing knowledge and I am deeply indebted to the generosity of the Sinclair family.”

“I learnt more than I think I have been successfully able to absorb and process at COP24. It has completely boosted my enthusiasm for this area, along with the support of initiatives like the ones led by Advance Ashburton. As a result, I am filled with determination for the impact I can have in helping turn NZ’s ambition and ingenuity into climate change solutions the world can follow.”

Congratulations to our 2019 Scholarship Recipients

Photo Credit: Latitude Magazine

Through the generosity of our donors, Advance Ashburton were privileged to award $73,500 to 31 scholarship recipients for 2019. Congratulations to all our scholarship recipients. We would also like to say a huge thank you to our donors, who make these scholarships possible, and to our sponsors; Ashburton Trust Events Centre, Argyle Welsh Finnigan and Forsyth Barr.

Our scholarship recipients for 2019:
Alister Smyth Scholarship: Samantha Naui, Uati Saofai, Imogen Redpath
Glass Family Trust Scholarship: Elizabeth Leonard, Alisa Ikenaga
Tinwald Club Scholarship: Olivia Scott
Ashburton Plains Rotary Club, Industry Training Scholarship: Harry Rosevear
Jaycees Education and Development Fund, Industry Trade Scholarship: Ethan Johnson, Leigh Harrison, Aimee Burrows, Brad Van der Eik, Oliver Adlam (absent)
Jaycees Education and Development Fund, Personal Development Scholarship: Amy Ferguson, Chanaide Fulton, Heidi Cuttle
Parsons Family Trust Scholarship: Kieren Bell, Megan Fitzgerald
Cameron Fund Scholarship: Melissa McMullan
Ian Glassey Memorial Fund, Environmental Scholarship: Victoria Grant
Johnston Brothers, Health Science Scholarship - Diana Barbu, Tori Watson, Scott Kelland, Ella Bonnington
Ashburton United Friendly Societies Dispensary Scholarship Special Trust Fund, Health Science Scholarship - Connor Leadley, Greta Eaton, Imogen Reid, Rebecca Robinson (absent), Frances Redmond (absent)
Advance Ashburton Community Foundation Scholarship: Ashley Kelland, Brenna Russell (absent)
Neil Sinclair Memorial Scholarship - Rebekah Hill

2018 Scholarship Recipients

Albertene Hefford - 2018 Health Science Scholarship Recipient
Anyone that has been to the dentist knows that it is an expensive industry. As a third year dental student I pay huge amounts in fees, and on top of that am expected to find the money to pay for any equipment we need.
I am so fortunate and grateful for Advance Ashburton as they have allowed me to invest in equipment, such as my LumaDent light, which makes me a better dentist and I will use throughout my career. Being supported by my community also gives me a massive sense of belonging and encouragement knowing that there are people who back me in becoming the best dental professional I can be.
Next year I’ll be entering my fourth year of dentistry which will be a busy one, with more clinics and more time spent with patients. I’m sure I will continue to love what I am doing and will continue to work hard improving my knowledge and skills.
I’m so thankful for the support from not only Advance Ashburton, but from everyone in general. From my parents and friends to the people I meet in our community who have no idea who I am but continue offer kind and encouraging words when I tell them I’m studying to be a dentist.

Vicki Pluck - 2018 Leadership & Personal Development Scholarship Recipient
Applying for the Advance Ashburton Leadership Scholarship was one of the best things I could have done. I love spending time water skiing and boating, so it was only fitting I use my scholarship to help fund a voyage on the Spirit of Adventure which I completed from April 22nd to May 1st. Sailing on the Spirit of New Zealand was the best trip I’ve done, and any holiday would struggle to beat it. I wasn’t sure what to expect but had heard many reviews that it was an awesome trip and I knew I’d love it as it involved water.
All 40 of us kids were put out of our comfort zones, whether it was climbing the masts, sailing in little luggers or putting the masts away in rain and wind. But the genuine support from each voyager, meant we could complete that task and the laughs and smiles.
My favourite part of the voyage were the morning swims. It was so incredibly awesome to wake up, get into our togs and jump into the fresh water for a wash and some relax time. Although it seemed cold at first, you soon warmed up with the swimming bus that went around the ship a few times. Some mornings it was hard to get out!
Not knowing anyone on the voyage, but meeting everyone and becoming great friends, meant we could be ourselves and didn’t have to try to be someone else, like we would in the real world.
I made some lifelong friends and enjoy keeping in contact with them, but most importantly, I gained an experience I will cherish forever.
A huge thank you to the Advance Ashburton Trust, more specifically the Jaycee trust for the scholarship, the memories and friends I got from this experience, will last me a lifetime.

Kate Moses - 2018 Industry Training Scholarship Recipient
At the start of this year I was lucky enough to be a recipient of Jaycee Industry Training Scholarship, through Advance Ashburton
Having not studied since leaving school at 18 years old, I felt a mixture of excitement and nervousness about doing the Project Management Course through ARA and had to teach myself how to study again.
Not only did the scholarship help with paying the course fees, it also made me feel supported and encouraged to learn new skills & knowledge to advance myself and my career
I have completed and passed the first two terms, with the last two terms starting up again in October.
I just want to thank Advance Ashburton again, being an adult study was daunting for me and to have received this grant really motivated me to try my hardest and prove to myself no matter what age you are, you can always challenge yourself.

Fran Connelly-Whyte - 2018 Health Science Scholarship Recipient
I am currently studying a Bachelor of Nursing at Otago Polytechnic and I am really enjoying it. I have been on a placement in the Dunedin community and I am just about to start an aged care and hospital placement. Last year I was very fortunate to receive the Advance Ashburton Community Foundation scholarship to help me towards my studies. I have put the scholarship to good use, using it for textbooks and equipment needed for my course. Once I have completed my degree, I hope to work in a rural area and study towards becoming a Nurse Practitioner. I have also been very fortunate to be able to continue rowing as part of the Otago University rowing team while studying. In July, I travelled to China as part of the Otago University womens eight where we competed in the International Universities Rowing Regatta in Changsha and gained second place. I would like thank the Advance Ashburton Community Foundation for the opportunities this scholarship has provided as a stepping stone for my nursing career.

Congratulations to our 2018 Scholarship Recipients

Alister Smyth Scholarship: Grace Thomson, Hannah Roulston, Jacinta Netzler
Glass Scholarship: Ryan Simpson, Sina Ainu’u
Ashburton Jaycee's Industry Trade Scholarship: Kate Moses, Thomas O’Brien , Sailor McLean, Brayden Farrell
Ashburton Jaycees Fund, Leadership Scholarship: Hannah McDougall, Victoria Pluck
Tinwald Club Scholarship: Kaleb Small
Environmental - Glassey Scholarship: Brooke Clarke
Glassey Scholarship: Alison van Polanen (Leadership), Brayden Guise (Industry Trade)
Agriculture, Horticulture and Aquaculture - Parsons Scholarship: Benjamin Barry
Johnston Brothers Health Science Scholarship - Pippa Griffiths, Albertene Hefford, Claudia Kinvig, Bethnee Jopson
United Friendly Society Health Science Scholarship - Ruby Wills, Lucy Clough, Stephanie Porter, Lauren Rattray, Alexandra Wootton
Advance Ashburton Community Foundation Scholarship: Mark Mably, Fran Connelly-Whyte, Aimee Elliott,
Emily-Jane Farr

2017 Scholarship Recipients

Greg Cross - Industry Training, Tinwald Club Scholarship Recipient 2017
I am 17 and I am currently studying Automotive level 3 at Ara Timaru Polytech which I am really enjoying. I am working the rest of the week at Autosparks. I was very fortunate to receive a Tinwald Club scholarship which enabled me to purchase a full tool kit for when I'm at work which is very useful. I am very thankful for this scholarship that I was awarded by Advance Ashburton and the Tinwald Club Fund.

Rubie Mclintock - Environmental Scholarship Recipient 2017
I am currently completing my Masters of Science majoring in Environmental Science at the University of Canterbury.
Receiving an Advance Ashburton Scholarship has been incredible in reducing the additional financial expenses I have incurred as part of my masters project. It has allowed me to focus more of my time and efforts on my studies. Advance Ashburton itself as a community, have also provided me with a network of people that have been fundamental in the completion of my masters project.

Fergielyn Catayoc - Advance Ashburton Scholarship Recipient 2017
I’m currently finishing my second-year as a Victoria University of Wellington student, undertaking a conjoint Bachelor degree of Law and Arts (Humanities). Being a second-year student who fully relies on scholarships and support from parents to pay for tuition and materials, it is important for me to search for as many scholarships as I can to ease the difficulty for my parents -- receiving an Advance Ashburton Scholarship, this year has helped to do just that and contribute as a stepping stone to reach my goal to be a practicing lawyer after I have graduated from Victoria. For the moment, taking a paper on Tort Law has captured my interest and made me consider civil litigation.

Ella Bonnington - Health Science Scholarship Recipient 2017
I have been studying a Bachelor of Nursing at the Ara Institute of Canterbury and am absolutely loving it. I am currently on placement doing elderly care. Being on placement has reassured me further that this is the career I want to pursue after I conclude my studies. I have put the scholarship to good use using it for text books and equipment needed for my course. I am very grateful to have received the scholarship and I could not have made it this far without the help of Advance Ashburton Community Foundation.

Lachie Davidson - Agricultural, Horticultural and Aquaculture Scholarship Recipient 2017
I am currently studying a bachelor of AgriCommerce majoring in International Agribusiness at Massey University in Palmerston North. This is a 3 year degree of which I am 1/6 of the way through. Last year I received the Parsons family trust Agricultural/Horticulture scholarship to help towards my studies.
Once I complete my degree I hope to be employed in the New Zealand primary sector working in either Agriculture or Horticulture. Specifically I wish to be involved in New Zealand's Export market and be able to showcase and market our products around the world.
Receiving the Parsons scholarship has helped me hugely as it has allowed me to focus on my studies and not worry as much about financial support. It has given me confidence in what I study as I know that I have the support of the Parsons family. After receiving the scholarship I went and visited them on their farm and still keep in regular contact with them. Receiving a scholarship specific to the Mid Canterbury community also gave me motivation to work hard here at Uni as I feel that I owe it to the community to give back at some stage in my career.

Nicola Loach - Outward Bound Scholarship

Nicola Loach was awarded an Advance Ashburton Outward Bound scholarship in 2016. This scholarship gave her the opportunity to attend a course that she describes as an “amazing life-changing experience”. After having a couple of months to reflect on her Outward Bound experience, Nicola says “I loved every minute of it as every day you were pushed out of your comfort zone and pushed to your limit mentally, physically and emotionally.”

After initially being nervous about spending so much time with strangers, Nicola soon found that these strangers quickly became friends as well as an amazing support network to each other throughout the course. By letting go of being in control of the situation Nicola and her watch group learnt how to get the most out of their experience as they participated in several activities and challenges from learning to sail, kayaking in the sea and in rapids, high ropes courses, hiking, solo and group sessions.

The achievement of completing these challenges helped Nicola to face her fear as well as prompting her to make many changes to her personal and work life after she returned from the course. “I have some huge goals to achieve in 2017 that I made while I was at Outward Bound. I am ever so grateful for the opportunity that Advance Ashburton gave me to do this course. It is hard to explain the way this has changed my life but anyone who talks to me about this experience says that I can’t stop raving about it. I truly did love every minute of it.”

The Outward Bound Scholarships are funded by the Ashburton Jaycee Education and Development Fund. For more information about Outward Bound go to http://www.outwardbound.co.nz/

Mitchell Hopping, 2016 Health Science Scholarship Recipient
I am writing to thank you for the generous $2,000 Advance Ashburton Health Sciences Scholarship. I was very happy and appreciative to learn that I was selected as the recipient of your scholarship. I am a 5th year medical student at the University of Auckland. I will graduate from my degree in late 2017. Thanks to you, I am one step closer to that goal. By awarding me the scholarship, you have lightened my financial burden which allows me to focus more on the most important aspect of school, learning. Your generosity has inspired me to help others and give back to the community. I hope one day I will be able to help students achieve their goals just as you have helped me.
With kind regards,
Mitchell Hopping

Having the Courage
Hello. My name is Carmen Sutton. I am a forty-two-year-old woman who has always been ok at practical assignments. I gratefully received one of your Outward Bound scholarships, and later I received an industry training scholarship. This month I received my National Certificate in Carpentry. After completion of Outward Bound, I had the courage to address my dyslexia that had plagued my learning and my confidence for my first thirty-eight year I had myself assessed at Seabrook McKenzie for learning difficulties and got myself a tutor. From there it took 18 months of hard work to get myself ready for my pre-trade in Carpentry at Aoraki in Timaru. This year in Timaru brought many ups and downs emotionally, however I stuck with it and graduated. Alister McIntosh then took me on firstly for work experience and then as an apprentice builder. Three years later I have completed my qualification and have recently built my first registered house for McIntosh Builders. I would like to thank your organisation for these opportunities and financial support. I could never have followed my dream and this path without your help. Eternally grateful. Carmen Sutton