A former head boy of John Paul College has received a coveted Robertson Scholarship, worth $70,000 a year, funded by New York philanthropist Julian Robertson.
Sam Kelly, who was head boy at John Paul College last year, was one of three recipients in New Zealand to receive the scholarship to study at Duke University in Durham, North Carolina.
Sam plans to do a Bachelor of Science in Engineering and said he was still trying to wrap his head around the amazing opportunity.
"Having the chance to study at one of the most prestigious universities in the world is a dream come true.
"Studying in America also has major benefits for my future career as I will be close to consulting firms such as the Boston Consulting Group which I'd love to work for."