It's all thanks to mum, says high-achieving teen

Ruby Porter (L), here with mother Linley, hopes to go into something creative once she graduates. Photo / Richard Robinson.

When Ruby Porter found she had won a highly regarded scholarship, her first thoughts were about what it would mean to her mother - a woman she says has given her so much despite being a solo parent.

"My mum's my biggest influence," said Ruby. "She's given me so much, and I know this is a small way in which I can give back to her by making her proud of me."

The former Northcote College student is one of eight who have won $4000 scholarships from the NZ Education and Scholarship Trust, an independent group sponsored by business.

Trust chairman John Graham said the eight winners were selected from a high-calibre pool of 124 candidates who were nominated by 83 schools.

"The results achieved by the 2010 NZEST scholars were quite outstanding and the panel is amazed that each year the academic bar rises higher."

Ruby's principal, Vicki Barrie, said the school nominated her because of her "outstanding achievements".

Northcote College was "delighted" with the news of her success.

"Ruby is an exceptional young woman. She has a sharp intellect, is extraordinarily creative and has tenacious work habits," Ms Barrie said.

Ruby told the Herald that despite being school dux last year, being heavily involved in a writers' group and organising a fashion show, she was surprised to hear this week that she had won an NZEST scholarship.

"I was really shocked. I didn't think that I had the marks for it."

Those marks were five New Zealand Scholarships, including three outstanding passes in classical studies, English and painting.

Ruby said she owed her achievements to the encouragement of her mother, Linley, through the years.

"A lot of what I did well in were creative subjects and she's really developed that. She has heaps of prints of artworks around the house and she used to do a lot of art with me when I was younger.

"We read poetry to each other at night and she's always encouraged that side, but she's also encouraged the things she's not interested in, like the maths."

Ruby said her mother was "really over the moon" and had cooked the vegetarian teen a special dinner as a reward - a black pepper tofu dish.

The 17-year-old is studying fine arts/arts with a major in English or English writing at Auckland University. She plans to put her scholarship money into a savings account to help pay for her study later on.

Ruby hopes to go into something creative once she graduates.

"I'm really interested in art, writing and fashion design so a combination of, or one of, those three things."

OTHER TRUST SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS

David Bellamy
Dux of Christ's College in Christchurch who is now studying health sciences at Otago University. He achieved six outstanding passes in NZ Scholarship, an incredible achievement for a 16-year-old. David plays the trumpet for the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra and is a member of the New Zealand Chemistry Olympiad team which gained bronze medal in Japan. He also acted in school productions and was in debating and sports teams.

Rosemary Grant
Dux of Diocesan School for Girls in Auckland who is now studying health sciences at Otago University. She gained five NZ Scholarships, including three outstanding grades. Rosie was a school prefect, and helped to organise the school's community service programme. She is also a talented musician and performed in school productions.

Stewart Alexander
Dux of Christchurch Boys' High School who is now studying for a bachelor of science degree at Canterbury University. He gained five outstanding passes in NZ Scholarship, plus three A-grade passes in the CIE A-level exams. Stewart was a prefect and member of the NZ Chemistry Olympiad team that won a bronze medal in Japan.

Alistair Kendrick
Dux of St Kentigern College in Auckland who is now studying for a BA/BSc at Auckland University. He gained 44 out of a possible 45 points under the International Baccalaureate system. Alistair was involved in debating, theatre, sports, a member of the environment council and young enterprise team.

Athene Laws
Dux of St Cuthbert's College who is now studying for a BA/BMusic at Victoria University. She gained seven scholarships, five of which were outstanding passes. Athene was co-leader of her school's performing arts committee and is a very talented musician, placed in national competitions with the clarinet.

Jai Min Choi
Dux of Massey High School in Auckland who is now studying health sciences at Auckland University. He gained five scholarship passes, of which three were outstanding grades. Jai Min was a school prefect, an academic leader and on the school council, as well as a very accomplished musician playing in school orchestra, jazz and chamber groups. He was also a member of the New Zealand Chemistry Olympiad team which gained a bronze medal in Japan.

Yuanye Xu
Proxime accessit of Westlake Boys' High School in Auckland, now studying for BSc at Auckland University. Yuanye scored 100 per cent in all four subjects he studied in the Cambridge International examinations. He also gained six scholarship, four of which were outstanding, in the New Zealand Scholarship examinations. Yuanye was a member of the New Zealand Biology Olympiad team which gained a silver medal in Korea. He is also a Grade 8 pianist and was a peer tutor to Chinese international students.