Talented local youngsters recognised and rewarded!

The Sumner Ferrymead Foundation recognised and awarded young students of their community during their scholarship and awards event.

Three scholarships and a grant, totalling more than $18,000 were awarded to four worthy recipients on Thursday evening.

Isobel Gould was awarded a scholarship of $5000 (kindly sponsored in memory of Michael McMullan B.Vet Sci Sydney University) for her second year of university science study. Gould is majoring in pharmacology at Otago University. She is hoping to eventually pursue post graduate study and develop her knowledge of analytical chemistry with the view of working in humanitarian fields ensuring imports are ethically sourced.

Sarah Cody Mandell was awarded $5000 (kindly sponsored by the O.A. Brauer Family Trust) for her second year of health science studies. In 2020, she passed her Bachelor of Science subjects, majoring in psychology and human nutrition in the top five per cent of students. Following completion of her undergraduate degree, Sarah Cody Mandell is aiming to be accepted into the clinical psychology programme at Otago or Canterbury University. She aspires to examine the role of nutrition in psychological health and well-being.

Lucia Rapley received $5000 for her second year of humanities studies. She is studying law, French and political science at Canterbury University. Rapley would like to one day represent New Zealand on the international stage by working for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade or NZ-linked NGO's.

Julia Coppens is the recipient of the Scholarship for the Outward Bound Classic 21-day course. She is currently studying primary teaching at Otago University, with a strong passion for the outdoors. She intends to use the Outward Bound course for personal development and to understand the perspectives of people from different backgrounds, which will assist her in connecting with students who have a range of needs and beliefs.

The scholarships recognised the students' diverse accomplishments, their academic success, and their outreach within and beyond the foundation's "catchment" area.

The Predator Free Redcliffs Group received $3000 for their environment and sustainability-focused project. Working under the umbrella of the Redcliffs Residents Association, this group trap possums, stoats, weasels and rats in local reserve areas, hoping to regenerate invertebrate and bird life. They are going to use the award to buy a range of traps for the Barnett Park Catchment.

The Sumner Ferrymead Foundation began in 1993, with the aim to financially assist any individual or group in the local catchment area. Former Trustee and Chairman John Taylor said to date, they had donated more than $100,000 to community members and groups.

"Our planet's future is in the hands of today's youth, who will lead the world tomorrow. These outstanding and delightful young folk have all shown a pursuit of excellence, a strength of character, the courage of their convictions, and a care of their community," said Taylor. "Their qualities and ideals will encourage future generations."