Jacob Wilkinson

QUEENSTOWN’S Jacob Wilkinson is looking to follow in his grandfather’s footsteps.

The Wakatipu High School pupil plans to head to the University of Canterbury next year.

There he plans to study for a bachelor of science degree with a major in mathematics, with a longerterm view to get into research and lecturing at a university.

It is the same university where his grandfather, Dr Peter Renaud, was head of the mathematics and physics department.

Jacob is taking a thirdyear university course in mathematics.

He has already received an A+ in three secondyear courses and says he enjoys the process of learning, particularly in mathematics and sciences.

‘‘They make logical sense to me and I like that.

‘‘I like it when things come together and make sense, like maths and science usually does.’’

While, in future, he wants to become involved in research, he is not yet sure which field that would be in.

Meanwhile, the talented pianist, who this year received a gold grading at the Blenheim Jazz Festival for jazz piano in the ensemble, says he also plans to continue tinkling the ivories.

‘‘I started playing the piano when I was about 4 — my mum made me — and then a couple more years after that I actually started to enjoy it.

‘‘I’m looking at halls at university that have pianos, because I would like to keep going.’’

Achievements: Ad Alta (2019, 2021, 2022), Ad Alta Blue (2019, 2022), Gold Excellence Award (2019, 2021), Silver and Bronze Excellence Awards (201821); musical band and jazz band (202022), Pounamu Award (excellence endorsement NCEA Level 2 and 3) (2022); Pounamu Award (excellence endorsement NCEA Level 2), Academic Award — distinction for chemistry, music and physics, gold, silver and bronze excellence awards, Principal’s Award (201821) cultural achievement Blues (202021); calculus scholarship, Big Band (2021); commendations for biology, chemistry and physics, Science Buskers Academy, JazzQuest ensemble (2020); Academic Award — distinction for English (visual) and calculus, commendation for French, cultural commendation certificate, commendation for allround effort and participation, Bronze Akonga Passport (2019); Academic Award — commendation for science, English, music, distinction for maths with calculus, music and social studies — difficult decisions (2018). Role model: Dr Peter Renaud Plans for the future: University lecturer