Airport awards scholarships to five local college students

Friday, 19 October 2012, 10:42 am
Press Release: Wellington Airport Limited

Media RELEASE

19 October 2012

Airport awards scholarships to five local college students

Wellington Airport has awarded the Wild at Heart Spirit Awards to five students from local colleges.

The Spirit Awards recognise and celebrate students who believe in the importance of community and demonstrate self motivation in their service to the community and a contribution to their college. The recipients receive a $1,500 scholarship towards furthering their education.

“Celebrating young people’s drive to give back to their community is hugely important and over the last six years we have been able to do this with The Spirit Awards,” said Steve Sanderson Chief Executive of Wellington Airport.

Scholarship receivers are:
• James Bibby from Rongotai College
• Tessa Murphy from St Catherines College
• Janek Chmielewski from St Patrick's College
• Ben Guerin from Scots College
• Roshni Parbhu from Wellington East Girls' College

At the same function held last night Wellington Airport, in association with The Wellington Community Trust, awarded the Supreme Award for voluntary work in the community last night to Kaibosh Food Rescue at the 2012 Wellington Airport Regional Community Awards.

Spirit Award Long Citations 2012

Rongotai College – JAMES BIBBY
James Bibby is a dedicated student leader from Rongotai College. During his time at the college he has participated widely in sporting endeavours, especially football as both a player, and a volunteer referee and coach. He has revived the college Chess Club, serving as president, growing the clubs’ membership and teaching skills to new players.

James is an active member of the Interact Club, which focuses on community service, and the values of leadership and respect. Along with volunteering for numerous charity collections himself, he encourages other students to join the club and participate too.

He is to be admired for his sense of fair play, patience and his ability to use problem solving skills to create positive outcomes diplomatically.

St Catherines College – TESSA MURPHY
Tessa Murphy is a caring whanau and sporting leader at St Catherines College. She has participated widely in school activities including sports, debating, school masses and backstage work for productions, and fundraising to support school activities.
Her role as Whanau Leader, along with the administrative and protocol duties, sees her lead event planning for Mercy and Mission Days and driving participation.

Tessa is also a committed volunteer for Marist St Pats Rugby Club, running the Pre School Little Rippa Programme every Saturday, coordinating the “Red Shop” and organising and running fundraising activities.

Tessa is described as a contributor – she’s not afraid to roll up her sleeves and get involved – willingly giving up her time and talent to benefit others.

St Patrick's College – JANEK CHMIELEWSKI
Janek is an active academic, sporting and cultural leader at St Patrick’s College. He is the captain of the 1st XI Football team, and supports other sports by rallying the “off-field team” too. He is an accomplished public speaker - winning the Wellington Diocese Young Speech maker competition.

As president of the Young Vinnies, Janek has lead many student community projects, and regularly volunteers at the Soup Kitchen.

Janek is described as an accomplished young man who quietly leads by example, treating others with respect and dignity at all times.

Scots College – BEN GUERIN
Ben Guerin is an energetic top academic with the service portfolio at Scots College.
Along with an active participation in sport and cultural activities and peer mentoring, Ben has also participated in many activities with a wider global view.

He was part of an international youth research team as part of the Warwick University Junior Commission on energy use and a finalist in the Eureka! Science Symposium. Ben organized an exhibition of art by Burmese children and a fundraiser to support Burmese child refugees. He also volunteers for Capital Youth Projects and is the Wellington Crisis Model United Nations coordinator.

Ben is described as a great role model with a strong social conscience, concerned about the state the world is in and keen to do something about it.

Wellington East Girls' College – ROSHNI PARBHU
Roshni is an enthusiastic cultural and sporting leader at Wellington East Girls’. She serves as Charities Prefect and a Cultural Committee member, Co-Captain of the schools’ 1st XI Hockey Team and a peer tutor.

This year she lead the school activity in two significant fundraisers for Relay for Life and the 40 hour famine. Along with her own busy schedule, her demonstration of school spirit and support of other students’ participation school activities has been inspirational. Out of school Roshni volunteers for the Wellington Indian Association and the Wellington Indian Sports Club.

Roshni is a passionate leader and supporter known for her kindness, bubbly positive attitude and a very hard working persona.

ends

© Scoop Media

Wellington Airport

Wild at Heart

Wellington Airport provides a world class airport for visitors, the Wellington region and New Zealand. It's international terminal, The Rock, is ranked 4th best in the World. Being very close to the CBD saves 5.4 million travellers plenty of time and makes Wellington a more attractive place to visit. The Airport won the Wellington Gold Awards for Safety and is a major supporter of local events, attractions and community groups.

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