Media Release

Southland students awarded Solid Energy scholarships

5 March 2008

Three Southland students have been awarded Solid Energy tertiary scholarships to assist with their university studies. Invercargill’s Micaela O’Connor, Ben Maynard and Laura Purdie-Smith have this month begun studying at the University of Otago. 

The Solid Energy scholarships pay $2000 a year to students for up to four years of study. 

Micaela, a former student from James Hargest College, was pleased to have some extra financial support while studying for a Law and Commerce degree. “ Being awarded the scholarship by Solid Energy means that the financial burden of studying will be eased,” she said.

Ben was a student at Southland Boys High School. He is studying towards a Bachelor of Surveying.  “ The scholarship will help out a lot and relieve some of the financial stress. I won’t have to worry about finding money for fees,” said Ben.

Laura, from Southland Girls High School, is starting her Marketing, Management and Psychology Degree.  “The scholarship means there’s less pressure on me, I’m looking forward to getting started with my studies,” she said.

Solid Energy’s tertiary scholarships are available to students from the West Coast, Southland and Huntly areas and are awarded annually. A complete list of scholarship criteria can be found at www.coalnz.com.