Mayoral Scholarship awarded with a difference

This year's Mayoral Scholarship has been awarded to not one, but two secondary school applicants. The interviewing panel made the decision, for the first time ever in its eight year history, to split the scholarship between two students.

"We couldn't see any other way around it," commented His Worship the Mayor Neil Sinclair "This year was tougher than any we've had before. The applicants were all outstanding and I would have been proud to award this to anyone of them."

The joint recipients of this year's Mayoral Scholarship are Chloe Tupou-Fairoa Herman, of Tokoroa High School, and Cameron Pearce of Forest View High School. The scholarship is valued at $20,000, and Chloe and Cameron will be receiving $2,500 per year for a maximum of four years each of this to go towards their studies.

"I'm happy to be receiving the Mayoral Scholarship, even if it is only half," laughed Chloe. "It's great to get financial support for my studies from Council."

Both Chloe and Cameron will be attending Waikato University next year. Chloe will be doing a Conjoint Degree in Law and Management studies; and Cameron a Bachelor of Arts and Science.

This year Council received 15 applications from South Waikato students. A committee of Mayor Neil Sinclair, Deputy Mayor Jenny Shattock, Human Resources Manager Murray McAlister and Gateway Coordinator for the South Waikato secondary school cluster Cath O'Connell, interviewed six shortlisted candidates. These six candidates represented Tokoroa High School, Matamata College, Putāruru College and Forest View High School.

The first ever South Waikato Mayoral Scholarship was awarded in 2006 to Lee Kuizinas. In 2010 Council resolved to award the scholarship annually, with the exception of 2013. A total of eight students have now received this scholarship from Council.

"We believe we are the only Local Government body to offer a scholarship of this sort to aspiring students," says Mayor Sinclair. "This initiative aligns strongly with Council's commitment to supporting local youth in furthering their education."

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