Local students get bite of Toi Ohomai scholarship

Scholarship winners (from left) Zachary Campbell, Shania Parkinson, Jasmine McKenzie-Lass, Jazmine-Mei Wharewera and Keegan Watson-Hopwood. PHOTO/SUPPLIED

Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology has ended the year in true festive spirit, handing out $25,000 in scholarships to local students ready to take the leap into tertiary study.

Rotorua Girls' High School student Jasmine McKenzie-Lass was one of five recipients of the school leavers scholarship.

"I've always wanted to help people and I'm really afraid of blood. So with nursing ruled out, Toi Ohomai's Bachelor of Social Work was the right thing to do."

She said she was looking forward to being able to give back to the community while making a career at the same time.

Keegan Watson-Hopwood, winner of the 2016 Rotorua Hospitality Award for Best Emerging Chef, said his 2016 Hospitality Scholarship would help him gain a qualification to back up the experience he obtained cooking for the likes of Rydges Rotorua.

"A qualification will also get me paid more really. I've always had a passion for culinary arts, ever since I was a kid. I left school when I was 16 and I have been cooking ever since. I love creating new things and making people happy through food.

"Dad is pretty stoked about this scholarship. I'm looking forward to just getting it done."

Shania Parkinson from Rotorua Lakes High School feels her lifelong goal of owning her own business is one step closer after winning her scholarship.

"I have never won a scholarship before. My family are happy that I am studying next year and more so that I am doing it close to home. Studying locally and saving at the same time is a win-win scenario.

"I was really happy to be told that I had won."

Scholarship winners:
2016 Hospitality Scholarship ($2500):
- Keegan Watson-Hopwood, - Diploma in Culinary Arts Level 5, Rotorua campus.
2017 Toi Ohomai School Leaver Scholarships ($2500 each):
- Jazmine-Mei Wharewera, Te Puke High School - Bachelor of Early Childhood Education, Rotorua campus.
- Jasmine McKenzie-Lass, Rotorua Girls High School - Bachelor of Social Work, Rotorua campus.
- Zachary Campbell, Rotorua Boys High School - Bachelor of Applied Management, Rotorua campus.
- Shania Parkinson, Rotorua Lakes High School - Bachelor of Applied Management, Rotorua campus.
- Savannah Chase-Seymour, Te Puke High School - Bachelor of Nursing, Tauranga campus.
Rosemary Johnson Scholarships ($2500 each):
- Leslie Park, Forest View High School - NZ Certificate in Electrical Engineering Theory Level 3, Rotorua campus.
- Ashley Allen, Whakatane High School - Certificate in Business Administration Levels 3 - 4, Whakatane campus.
- Caitlin Cornelissen, Papamoa College - Certificate in Sport and Fitness, and Sport & Health Massage Level 4, Tauranga campus.
- Jordan Stacey, Te Puke High School - Certificate in Mechanical Engineering Level 3, Tauranga campus.