Mayoral Scholarships Awarded

Mayor Jenny Shattock was proud to announce the recipients of the two South Waikato District Council Mayoral Scholarships at the schools' respective prize-giving ceremonies held earlier this week.

Congratulations to Lahaina Solomon of Tokoroa High School and Dong Mei Lim of Forest View High School who were the successful candidates.

Miss Solomon and Miss Lim were each awarded a $10,000 scholarship, payable at $2,500 per year for a maximum of four years, depending on their course of study.

"We received fourteen applications this year from exceptional South Waikato students," said Mayor Shattock. "Deciding which students to award these scholarships too is, without doubt, one of the toughest job I have to do as Mayor."

Applicants indicated interest in a range of degrees such as management, law, arts, science, health and engineering. Seven students were shortlisted and interviewed by the interview panel of Mayor Shattock, Deputy Mayor Jeff Gash, Council's Human Resources Manager Christine Beach and Gateway Coordinator Diane Collins.

"It is always one of the best days at the office when we get to interview such fantastic young people," said Mayor Shattock. "The students all displayed such maturity, determination and ability. For many this is their first formal interview and that can be very nerve-wracking!

"Special congratulations to Lahaina and Dong Mei; you interviewed exceptionally well, have all the credentials; and will surely do yourselves, your school, your Council and your district proud.

"I am confident that the future of the South Waikato is in very good hands after seeing the calibre of students that we have in our schools," concluded Mayor Shattock.

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