Our school community is celebrating an outstanding achievement as Year 13 student Ruby Harris has been awarded the Pakohe Sustainability Scholarship to study at Te Herenga Waka — Victoria University of Wellington next year.
The national school leaver scholarship is exceptionally competitive, drawing over 2,000 applications from across New Zealand. Candidates are evaluated on academic merit, demonstrated leadership in sustainability initiatives, potential to act as a sustainability leader on campus, and commitment to their local community.
Ruby’s selection is a direct recognition of her significant contributions and active leadership in climate change action. As part of the scholarship, she will receive $7,000 to assist with her tertiary studies, as well as placement in a dedicated mentoring programme with the university’s Director of Sustainability.
“I am humbled to be a recipient of the Pakohe Sustainability Scholarship at Victoria University next year,” says Ruby. “I am unbelievably excited to work alongside youth from across Aotearoa who share my passion for climate justice and sustainable futures. This also means a lot because of Vic’s commitment to being a global thought leader in sustainability.”
Our school whānau extends its warmest congratulations to Ruby on this milestone. We are exceptionally proud of her dedication to creating meaningful environmental change and wish her every success for the year ahead as she steps into this exciting new role as a university leader.