There's something about health science at Nga Tawa School in Marton as students awarded $121,000 worth of scholarships

Nine Nga Tawa students have been awarded scholarships from universities in Auckland, Wellington and Otago. Photo / Supplied

Nine Nga Tawa School students have been handed tertiary scholarships totalling $121,000.

They are Lydia Whyte, Georgia Green, Alex Burns, Bridget Bone, Florentine Majid
Stephanie Chan, Lara Westraad, Amelia Bryant and Hannah Lane.

Bone, who is the head girl of Nga Tawa School, was offered two scholarships, one from the University of Otago and another from the University of Auckland.

"It was such a tough decision, but I've decided to study health science at Otago University," Bone said.

"I have been to Otago and the culture there is quite appealing. I like more of a community feeling which is similar to what we have at Nga Tawa."

Bone was born in Dannevirke and her dad Chris attended the Dunedin-based university as well as an aunty and some cousins.

Four more recipients will join Bone down South, while two accepted offers to Victoria University of Wellington and another will attend the University of Auckland.

Four other Nga Tawa School students heading to Otago have decided to study health science with Bone.

"There will be so many awesome new people to meet, but it will be really cool to know some people at the start," Bone said.

"I've studied all of the sciences. Over the years, I've found that's what I'm interested in and is more of my passion," Bone said.

Bone is unsure what career path she wants to take at this stage, but is looking forward to being exposed to everything that is on offer.

She said that being the head girl of Nga Tawa was a full-on, but rewarding experience.

"The opportunity to work with all year groups across the school has been really cool and a good way to meet lots of new people and get to know all of the girls on a different level.

"When I leave, there's nothing that I wish I had done that I haven't had the opportunity to do."

Bone said the money on offer to support young people getting into university is amazing and praised her fellow students.

"They are super deserving of scholarships because they fit the bill perfectly. All of the girls have worked really hard and it's a well deserved achievement."