Wesley students awarded scholarships, destined for careers in medicine

Six Wesley College students have been awarded scholarships worth more than $100,000 at the school’s prizegiving last week.

Principal Dr Brian Evans praised the students for their efforts.

“These young people have really gone above and beyond in their studies this year. It’s incredibly impressive; I couldn’t be prouder,” Evans said.

At least three of the recipients are destined to study towards a career in health science in the hope of relieving some of the pressure on the country’s health sector.

Cedric Laveti-Waqa was awarded an Otago University Scholarship which includes accommodation and $17,500 towards tuition fees. He will study health science next year with the aim of one day becoming an orthopaedic surgeon.

“My mum is a nurse at Middlemore Hospital and seeing the work she does really inspires me,” Cedric said.

The youngest of three children, Cedric’s oldest sister is already studying medicine at Otago while his middle sister is enrolled in humanitarian studies at Victoria University.

Lucky Lu’au was awarded the Remuera Rotary Scholarship which pays her tuition fees for a year, to the value of $10,000. She wants to become a medical imager because she wants to “help the community” and understands the shortage in the health sector.

Moeata Ngataki was awarded the University of Auckland Waka Moana Scholarship which covers their accommodation fees for the first year of study.

Moeata, who was also named Proxime Accessit, was also awarded a First Foundation Scholarship which are awarded to the first student in a family to go to university.

That provides $4000 each year for three years towards tuition fees, mentoring and paid work experience at Counties Energy. She will study for a conjoint degree in global studies and commerce.

Akesa Sosefo was also awarded the University of Auckland Vaka Moana Scholarship, which is valued at up to $23,000, comprising one year of catered accommodation and a laptop. Akesa will be studying to become a nurse.

Mosese Kailea was awarded the University of Auckland Pacific Academic Excellence which includes $20,000 towards tuition fees over three years, and accommodation.

Catherine Anitoni was awarded the Zonta Leadership Emerging Leader Award for Year 12 Girls. And Oceana Vaili was named Dux.

Cedric, Moeata, Akesa and Lucky all said they had a huge amount of support from their teachers.

“Our careers teacher Mr Jack has been a huge help. We’ve had teachers help us study at Auckland University’s Pacific Academy where they help us to study for external exams and get better grades,” Cedric said.

“Our teachers have really pushed us to do our best and Mr Jack encouraged us to apply for scholarships,” Akesa said.

On the same day as the prizegiving, the school’s multi-million-dollar landscaping project was blessed and officially opened. The area features substantial landscaping, seating, plantings, an amphitheatre with shade sails over it, a new astroturf basketball court, a stage and a large covered outdoor dining area.

As the school is redeveloped, the outdoor leisure area will become the central heart and hub of the school.