Fee pressure eases for lucky students

The Bay of Plenty Education Trust has awarded 18 scholarships.

Milking cows, patrolling beaches, and cleaning colleges are some of the jobs local students have tackled this summer, as they endeavour to save for university.

But, an easier way to boast their study savings has just come the way of 18 Bay of Plenty students, thanks to the Bay of Plenty Education Trust.

Last week, six Eastern Bay of Plenty and a dozen Western Bay of Plenty students, were presented with a Bay of Plenty Education Trust Science, Technology and Emerging Industries Scholarship, each valued at $5750.

The Bay of Plenty Education Trust awards scholarships annually to students from colleges along the Western and Eastern Bay of Plenty coastline.

This year 18 scholarships have been awarded, with a value of $103,500.

The total granted since the scholarship was established in 2000 is nearing the $1 million mark.

Kaysea Cronin, from Opotiki College, said being chosen as a scholarship recipient was overwhelming.

"I was absolutely shocked. I cried, I was so happy. We are a one income family so this will make a huge difference," she said.

Kaysea said she had been putting in the hard yards over summer cleaning her old college and working as a lifeguard to help fund her university studies.

The former Opotiki College student will this year begin studying toward a Bachelor of Nursing qualification at Whakatane's Te Whare Wananga o Awanuiarangi.

The total granted since the Bay of Plenty Education Trust scholarship was established in 2000 stands at $963,750.