We would like to congratulate this year’s successful scholarship recipients:
Community Scholarship - Paula Brown
Local Bluff resident Paula Brown is married with three children and will commence a Masters of Environmental Management degree. Her long-term goal is to pursue a PhD. Paula is interested in the management and conservation of Antarctic and Subantarctic marine environments, especially as they relate to the ecology and conservation of bird populations. Living in Bluff during her childhood ignited Paula’s interest in studying this area. Paula started a Masters in 2001, but her plans changed after the birth of her eldest child, and she has devoted the last 20 years to raising her children.
Paula loves the outdoors and is often out trail running, walking up a mountain, kayaking, mountain biking, or tramping. Her other interests are photography and reading.
Paula has spent the last eight years working as a science teacher and has really enjoyed interacting with the students she has taught.
Paula’s proposed course of study heavily focuses on conservation ecology and wildlife management. Paula is a dedicated student and always strives to do her best. Gaining this scholarship will mean that Paula will need to work less to help support her family, allowing her to continue her community involvement at the RSA and Bluff Senior Citizens.
We wish Paula well on her journey toward gaining her degree.
Staff Scholarship - Jackson Faithfull
Jackson has excelled academically and in the sporting domain at James Hargest College and will be commencing his academic journey with the University of Otago to study for a Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting and Finance). Jackson’s aim is to work towards either chartered accountancy or stock brokerage in the future. Jackson is the son of Scott Faithfull, South Port’s Bulk Cargo Coordinator.
Jackson is a very competent sportsman who has been involved in triathlons, volleyball, and basketball and has represented Southland in touch rugby at nationals for five years, captaining the side for two of those years. Jackson has played club football for the past 13 years for Old Boys AFC. He has been involved in the senior Donald Gray premier men’s team as one of their youth development players for the last two years. As well as club football, Jackson has also been involved in age group Southland representative teams from U13-U17. He has also refereed summer and winter football matches for several years and coached an Old Boys junior team for the last two years.
Jackson has learned many valuable skills from his past coaches and managers and enjoys coaching the younger aspiring players, as it gives him the opportunity to give back and teach the younger players important skills to help them grow and develop.
Jackson’s other interests include cycling, running, skiing, and socialising with friends. He is currently working at Mitre 10 Mega, which has helped with his costs for university this year.
Jackson was described by his teacher as being a very dedicated and diligent student, who shows initiative and commitment. These attributes will serve him well in the future.
Jackson has many varied interests, and we wish him well in all aspects of his life.
