Dilworth prefect awarded Colliers tertiary scholarship

An outstanding student who endured two major spinal operations while earning his place as a school prefect has started a three-year Staples Education Foundation university scholarship sponsored by Colliers International. Dilworth School’s 2017 Deputy Head Boy Joel Ibbs, 18, was last year awarded a Staples Education Foundation (SEF) Scholarship for Outstanding Academic Excellence. The SEF Scholarships are awarded to financially challenged but academically talented students and Colliers International is the proud financial sponsor. The $15,000 scholarship is funding a Bachelor of Commerce degree majoring in Management at the University of Auckland.

Joel has now started university and has moved out of his home in Mount Wellington to a hall of residence. He hopes the degree will help him achieve his goal of one day owning a performance motorsport business or managing a motorsport team.

Colliers International Capital Markets Director Blair Peterken says he is thrilled to be able to help Joel work towards achieving his dreams.
“At Colliers International, we’re all about accelerating success. Our people are committed, hard-working and tenacious.
“Joel well and truly embodies these characteristics. Drawing on his ability and grit, he has worked incredibly hard to triumph over significant hardship and come out on top.”

In 2016, Joel achieved Excellence in Level 2 NCEA despite being absent from school for an extended period to undergo two corrective spinal fusion operations. He returned to school for one or two days a week to sit, in agony, some additional papers to help him get over the line. Joel says he is thrilled to have been recognised for his academic achievements.
“After such a big stint away from school in 2016, it was a really proud moment to be selected as one of the senior prefects to lead and represent the school. “To be awarded a Staples Education Foundation Scholarship on top of this is truly humbling.”

Staples Education Foundation General Manager Liz Wright says while Joel’s outstanding academic ability earned him the scholarship, he also has an impressive track record of extracurricular achievement. “Joel is a dedicated surf lifesaver with qualifications in first aid, VHF radio operations, and driving and crewing IRB rescue boats. He volunteers at Sunset Beach in Port Waikato.
“In addition, Joel is also a passionate footballer, surfer, swimmer and skateboarder.”

The Staples Education Foundation is a scholarship programme created to assist financially challenged but academically talented Year 13 students intending to study a tertiary qualification. The programme offers wrap-around support for a student including a mentor, a buddy for their first year, two weeks of work experience per annum, development opportunities and in some cases, financial support. The sponsorship funds are solely for the students’ use with Staples Education Foundation managing all other costs.

The foundation was established in 2015 by Urban Partners Managing Director Haydn Staples, who pledged an initial $1 million contribution. Colliers International is a leader in New Zealand property services, with local expertise and a truly global scope. Its 19 offices throughout New Zealand offer a wide range of services including commercial and residential property sales and leasing, valuation, real estate management and research and consulting.

ENDS

© Scoop Media