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A STUDENT from Gisborne has been awarded a scholarship for top academic achievement of which there are only eight given in New Zealand.

Hugh McHugh, who went to Lindisfarne College boarding school in Hastings, received a New Zealand Education Scholarship Trust (NZEST) $5000 scholarship to go towards his studies at Otago University.

He is the first student from Gisborne to be awarded the annual scholarship.

In 2009, Hugh was chosen as the New

Zealand representative at the Asian Science Camp in Tsukuba, Japan. He was dux of Lindisfarne and an academic perfect.

Hugh's goal is to do post-graduate study internationally and research into medical science.

NZEST awards eight scholarships annually to top academic students from throughout the country studying at New Zealand universities.

This year, 90 schools nominated 147 students for scholarships. Students give the

trust the permission to access their results from the New Zealand Qualification Authority, Cambridge exams and Baccalaureate.

The top 34 candidates are analysed by a subcommittee which selected a shortlist of 13 for a panel interview.

NZEST chairmain John Graham said he would have been able to award 13 scholarships. "The students are all so multi-talented, partaking in a wide range of activities, apart from their obvious scholastic pursuits."

Six of the eight top scholars at New Zealand secondary schools in 2009 are studying at The University of Auckland this year. Each won a $5000 scholarship awarded by the New Zealand Education and Scholarship Trust. The six were Paul Johnston (who was dux of Fairfield College, Hamilton and is now studying for a BSc), Nelson Lam (dux of St Kentigern College, BMus/BSc), Andrew McIndoe (proxime accessit of Wellington College, BA/LLB), Brierley Penn (dux of Wanganui High School, BCom/LLB), Rennie Qin (dux of ACG Strathallan College), William Zhang (dux of Auckland Grammar School, MBChB).

Ninety schools throughout New Zealand nominated 147 students who were ranked on their Year 13 external examination results. The top 34 candidates were then assessed by a subcommittee and 13 selected for interview by a panel representing the business and education sectors.

John Graham, who chairs NZEST, says the Trust would like to have awarded 13 scholarships because of the difficulty selecting only eight. “The students are all so multi-talented, partaking in a wide range of activities apart from their obvious scholastic pursuits. The scholarship interviewing day is a highlight in my calendar because it fills me with hope for the future of New Zealand.”

At a ceremony to present the University of Auckland scholars with their certificates

The Vice-Chancellor of Auckland University, Professor Stuart McCutcheon is seen with the 2009 NZEST Scholars who are attending the University of Auckland (from left): Paul Johnston, Nelson Lam, Rennie Qin, Andrew McIndoe, Brierley Penn, William Zhang. On May 19, the Vice Chancellor presented them with their scholarship certificates at an informal ceremony attended by the NZEST Trustees and sponsors, Renaissance Ltd.

on 19 May the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Stuart McCutcheon, said it was “fantastic to have six of the eight most talented students in the country coming to this University.

“We are working hard to achieve high academic standards at the University and a key part of that is to get the very best students from around New Zealand.”