Lincoln High School Student Wins Indigenous Scholarship

PRESS RELEASE

Lincoln High School Student Wins Coveted Indigenous Scholarship Award For a 10 Month Exchange Program In Japan

Student Exchange Australia New Zealand is proud to announce 16 year old, Cassidy Toni Ngahungahu as the winner of the 2013 Fay Wilmerding Indigenous Scholarship Award.  Rolleston resident, Cassidy, will depart in March 2014 for a 10 month stay in Japan.  Cassidy’s Scholarship is valued at NZD $13,500, fully funded by Student Exchange.

The Award will be presented by Ms Suzan Kuru, Student Exchange’s Area Representative and Mr Stephen Rout,  Principal of Lincoln High School, on Monday, 16th September at the Official School Awards Ceremony at 8.55am.  All media are invited to attend.

Mr Nick Lorentzen, National Director of Student Exchange Australia New Zealand commented, “Cassidy is to be congratulated on winning our Indigenous Scholarship.  The scholarship always attracts plenty of entries from across Australia and New Zealand.  Cassidy stood out as someone who will use her exchange experience not only for her personal development but also for the benefit of her community.  We know she will gain and give back from her experience in Japan.”

Cassidy’s family originates from the Tainui tribe where she is very active in learning the Maori language and traditions.  Cassidy has spent many weekends with her Grandparents learning about Maori legends and culture, and has a very close bond with her father and two sisters.  Cassidy is an active member of her community where she has helped organise Relay for Life and National Mudslide Day for Scouting NZ.  Cassidy actively participates in the local Venturer Scout group.

Japan has always been on Cassidy’s radar, as she indicated, “Since learning Japanese at the age of 13, I have developed a passion for understanding the Japanese culture and language.  I had to wait 3 years until I could apply for an exchange program.  Japan was my priority because I completely fell in love with the culture, the language and its close similarities to the Maori lifestyle.  Plus I have made many close Japanese friends throughout my years at high school.”

Cassidy expects to “Broaden my mind, change myself as a person to become more independent, and self-confident”.   On her return to NZ, Cassidy hopes to combine her “Personal Maori lifestyle with the Japanese lifestyle and, with my increased confidence and awareness from the trip, contribute more to my local community.”

It was tough competition for Cassidy whose application was outstanding and beat a competitive field of entries from around Australia and New Zealand.

Student Exchange Australia New Zealand Ltd offers 12 scholarships each year.  These include 5 Language Scholarships, 2 International Affairs Scholarships, 2 Indigenous Scholarships, and 3 Digital Video Scholarships.  The next deadline for receipt of applications is 31st October 2013 for programs departing between April - September 2014.

Photo and interview opportunities are available with Cassidy Ngahungahu and Suzan Kuru at 8.55am on Monday, 16th September, at the official award ceremony.

For further information please visit our website www.studentexchange.org.nz or contact Justine Perry on 0800 440 079 or 0419 262 524.  

Kind Regards,
Student Exchange Australia New Zealand
ENDS

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