Talented trio win scholarships

Whakatane High School head girl Samantha Boyle.

Three local teens won't bear the burden of a student loan next year after winning one of the University of Auckland's largest scholarships.

John Paul College students Fintan Walsh and Stanley Holt and Whakatane High School's Samantha Boyle received the University of Auckland scholarship, valued at $50,000.

John Paul College head boy Fintan Walsh, left, and deputy head boy Stanley Holt.

To be considered, students had to demonstrate outstanding academic excellence, as well as leadership potential, achievement in cultural and sporting abilities, and motivation to attend a research-led university.

Stanley plans to study medicine next year and said it was a "huge relief" to find out he had won the scholarship.

"It really took a weight off my shoulders, I had my eggs in a few baskets but sometimes you have to turn down the good to get the best," he said.

"I have always been interested in the sciences so studying medicine seemed like a natural progression for me. I am looking forward to being able to continue studying what I want to, next year."

Fintan, who plans to do a law and bachelor of management conjoint degree, said he was excited when he found out his application was successful.

"There are not many scholarships that award such a large amount of money so I was stoked when I found out I was one of the lucky few to be awarded it."

Fintan was also one of 10 students awarded a $40,000 University of Waikato scholarship, along with Samantha.

He said he spent a lot of time "soul searching" before deciding to accept the Auckland one.

"I had a big list of pros and cons for each scholarship and it was a really hard decision but in the end I knew both would provide an amazing opportunity and I just had to decide."

Fintan said the scholarship "lifted a burden felt by many students going on to tertiary study".

Samantha said she was "relieved" to hear she had won the scholarship.

"Winning the scholarship meant I could finally make the decision to go to Auckland as Waikato was still on the table until I knew about the Auckland scholarship. The indecision had been bugging me for a while."

She hopes to complete a conjoint degree studying law and arts.