Mike Pero Scholarship Gets Overwhelming Response

Media Release for immediate use: Wednesday 8 October 2008

Mike Pero Mortgages Scholarship Gets Overwhelming Response

More than 500 young people have applied for next year’s Mike Pero Mortgages Foundation Scholarship Programme which will provide three tertiary education scholarships – two worth $5,000 and one worth $2,500.

“We are delighted with the response, which has come from students all over New Zealand,” says Mike Pero Mortgages Chief Executive, Shaun Reilly.

“Last year’s response was outstanding and this year looks to be even better.”

The Mike Pero Mortgages Scholarship Programme, now in its third year, is for prospective first time tertiary students aged between 17 and 25. Applications are considered for any recognised course at a New Zealand tertiary institution.

“Our job is now to read through and assess all the applications, which we are doing this month. The three finalists will be announced at the end of October,” he says.

“Last year’s three finalists are all outstanding young people, now studying and succeeding in their first year at university, and their results reflect this. Our winners from 2006 and 2007 are also still thriving at university.

“It has been wonderful to hear their stories and updates and realise the Mike Pero Mortgages Foundation has been able to make a real contribution to the success of these outstanding young people,” says Shaun Reilly.

Last year’s overall winner was Johnathan O’Grady from De La Salle College in Manukau, Auckland. He was awarded the $10,000 tertiary scholarship, which he is putting towards his commerce degree at Auckland University this year.

Ben Frank from Tauranga Boys College was awarded a $5,000 scholarship which will assist with his Bachelor of Surveying degree at the University of Otago.

Zinet Mohamed from Papatoetoe High School in Mangere, Auckland, was the recipient of a $2,500 scholarship which she is using for her Bachelor of Health Sciences degree at Otago University.

Shaun Reilly says the Scholarship Programme is something the company is very proud of.

“The cost of quality tertiary education can be prohibitive for many prospective students and we feel that by offering the Mike Pero Foundation Scholarship Programme we can help provide options for students who show a real dedication to their studies,” says Shaun Reilly.

The scholarship winners will be announced on 30 October 2008.

ends

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