Media Release

Four West Coast students awarded Solid Energy scholarships

5 March 2008

Four West Coast students will find financing this year’s study a little easier thanks to a Solid Energy tertiary scholarship.

Westport ’s Marsha Mason and Lauren Batt, Greymouth’s Clem Gibbens and Hokitika’s Henry Cotton will all this year begin their tertiary studies. Solid Energy scholarships pay $2000 a year to each student for up to four years of study. 

Marsha Mason, from Buller High School, will be studying for a Bachelor of Science at the University of Canterbury. “There’s a lot of pressure these days on students with loan hassles and Solid Energy’s scholarship will help with course fees,” says Marsha.

Lauren Batt, a student from Buller High School, is starting her degree in Biochemistry, Ecology and Environmental Management at the University of Canterbury. “Being awarded the Solid Energy scholarship is really important to me especially as it’s paid every year – it’s a great help. It also means I don’t have to rely as much on my parents for financial support!” Lauren says.

Clem Gibbens, a former John Paul II High School student, will begin his degree in Civil Engineering and Geological Sciences at the University of Canterbury. “It is an honour to receive a Solid Energy scholarship. I am really looking forward to University,” says Clem.

Hokitika’s Henry Cotton was formerly a student at Westland High School. This year he will begin studying for a Bachelor of Surveying at the University of Otago. “I’m proud to have won a scholarship, with Solid Energy’s support it will enable me to concentrate on my studies and worry less about finances” says Henry.

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.