Rodney College students are Outward Bound

Last week saw the awarding of the joint $10,000 Outward Bound Scholarship – supported by Mangawhai Club and Mangawhai Focus – to two young people in the local community.

The successful candidates are both Year 12 students at Rodney College.

Brooklyn Wilson had heard reports from others who had been to Outward Bound which fuelled her enthusiasm. Heading to University next year with the Arts and Science in her sights, outside of school she has been involved with girl’s soccer, netball and gym. However, as a successful equestrienne, most of her time is taken up training her showjumping team.

Isaac Noser knew something of the sailing course at Outward Bound but was then pleased to know more about the variety of additional activities. Keen on the outdoors he is currently working towards his Gold Award, the highest level in the Duke of Edinburgh Hillary Awards. Mountain biking and long distance running come high on his list of activities. He intends joining surf lifesaving this summer and for relaxation plays piano, bass and guitar, all elements that will come into play during the three week course in the backblocks of the Marlborough Sounds.

The pair will travel south to join the early January intake.

On the selection panel were local business people Robyn Osborne and David Glover. Both were impressed by the achievements of the candidates and the way in which they presented themselves in support of their applications and believe the selected pair who are both involved in several pursuits, will put the knowledge and experience gained to good use within the community.

The third member was Alice Malyon who had attended an Outward Bound winter course in mid-2016 so was now sitting on the other side of the table.

“It’s a whole different perspective being on the selection panel from being an applicant,” she said. “I got to listen to their stories instead of telling one. All four of the candidates inspired me and I hope the unsuccessful applicants reapply next year as they deserve the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that I was very fortunate to have. Being able to experience both sides of the selection process was a privilege and I am very thankful to the Mangawhai Club for giving me and the youth of the community the opportunity.”

IMPRESSED: The scholarship selection panel of (from left) Robyn Osborne, Alice Malyon, and David Glover.