Scion awards 2005 Suffrage Centennial Scholarship

13 December 2005

Two local high school students have received a boost to their upcoming tertiary study thanks to a scholarship from Rotorua-based Crown Research Institute, Scion.

Katie Clark from Rotorua Lakes High School and Kerry Charles from John Paul College are the 2005 recipients of the 12th annual Suffrage Centennial Scholarship.

The two students receive a $1500 cash grant as well as guaranteed vacation work for the duration of their undergraduate study.

The Scion scholarship commemorates the 1993 New Zealand Suffrage Centennial and is open to local female senior students who plan to undertake a tertiary qualification that will impact the forestry or timber industry.

Potential study areas include the life sciences, engineering sciences, economics, marketing and consumer intelligence.

Selection is made based on academic achievement, as well as contribution to school and community life. “Scion considers this scholarship a unique opportunity to promote women in science.

We are proud of what the scholarship stands for and the opportunity it gives to aspiring students,” says Scion Group Manager of Human Resources Sylvia Hunt.

“We have seen more women undertake careers in science in recent years but there is still an imbalance. We want to do everything we can do encourage women to work in the research and technology area.

“The standard of applications for this award is always very high and this year was no exception. I’d like to congratulate everyone who applied this year and wish them all well for their future scientific studies,” says Ms. Hunt.

Katie Clark is a seventh form student at Rotorua Lakes High School.

She will be attending Canterbury University next year where she will be working towards a Bachelor of Engineering degree.

Kerry Charles is a seventh form student at John Paul College.

Kerry will be attending Massey University, where she will be working towards a Bachelors of Science degree as well as a Bachelors of Arts.

The 2004 Suffrage scholarship recipient, Lauren du Fall is currently working in the Cellwall Biotechnology unit at Scion, fulfilling part of the scholarship vacation work prize.

With one year into her Bachelor of Science degree at Waikato University, she is grateful for the opportunity the scholarship has given her.

“All my university friends are working at retail outlets for the summer. I love working at Scion because it’s good to keep your science brain working after a year at school. I just keep on learning here,” says Lauren.

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