Local students receive tertiary scholarships

Blair Foster, 18, (left) and Tom Yarrall, 18, are two Rotorua locals who have been offered tertiary scholarships. PHOTO/SUPPLIED

Hard work and dedication has paid off for two Rotorua students who have been offered tertiary scholarships for next year.

Blair Foster, 18, has been offered a University of Auckland scholarship for $20,000 and a Victoria University one of $5000.

Tom Yarrall, 18, has been offered an Otago University Future Leaders scholarship of $6000 and a University of Auckland Business and Economics one of $3000.

Both are boarders at St Paul's Collegiate School in Hamilton.

Tom, the school's current head boy, said he felt "extremely privileged" to have been offered the scholarships.

"I think after working really hard to get where I am today it's good to know I am being recognised."

Blair said it was rewarding, especially with the calibre of people who got them and those who missed out as well.

"It's humbling and when you work hard for it it's definitely rewarding."

They said academic, extra-curricular, sports, cultural and leadership work/achievements all helped with gaining scholarships.

A lot of universities also looked for mentoring or tutoring other students, Blair said.

Tom said he would go to Otago University next year and study a Bachelor of Commerce, majoring in accounting and finance.

He said independence, getting down to the South Island and being motivated due to studying what he was interested in was what he was looking forward to about university.

Blair is off to Auckland University to do a joint degree in law and commerce.

He said he was also looking forward to the different environment, extra freedom, and studying what he wanted.