Scholarship a boost for Courtney’s uni studies
Horowhenua students Casey Allum, Courtney Butcher and Logan McDonald have each been awarded Tertiary Education Scholarships worth $2500.
The annual awards from Horowhenua District Council help pay for study fees and includes 10 weeks’ paid employment with council.
Ms Butcher said it was an honour to receive the recognition.
“It’s humbling to have been selected and recognised as someone with the potential to succeed.”
Ms Butcher started a Bachelor of Commerce in Management, and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at Victoria University this year.
She attended Waiopehu College and said she loved the supportive and welcoming culture there.
“Since Year 9, and all through to Year 13, it really felt like a community that I meshed into well.
“The work experience is the best part of the scholarship, she said.
“It’s quite a unique feature of any scholarship I’ve seen, and it will definitely be an advantage when I enter the workforce and for future endeavours.
“It will give me an insight to how the council operates, and provide me with the work experience that employers really seem to value nowadays.”
Ms Butcher said that while she studies in Wellington she will miss having her support system so close, and that of community feel.
“Wellington is so different and, at times, it can be overwhelming.
“It’s a comforting thought knowing that home is only an hour and a bit away, so I can come back up whenever I may need to.”
Ms Butcher said she hopes to settle in Horowhenua if the opportunity arises.
“It would definitely be a privilege to do so, and to give back to the community I was raised in,” she said.