THanding Lucy Clough a kickstart to her university studies, are Ashburton College Alumni chairman Alister Argyle (left) and Rod Fox, manager of the scholarship sponsor, NBS Ashburton. Photo Tetsuro Mitomohe financial burden of her first year of tertiary study will now be a little lighter for Ashburton College student Lucy Clough. She’ll have an extra $1000 in her bank account when she heads to Otago University next year, thanks to a new Ashburton College Alumni Scholarship. This has been funded by NBS Ashburton.

The building society’s manager Rod Fox said that supporting the scholarship was something he was keen to do, as part of his business’ commitment to the Ashburton District. The award recognises the commitment of a Year 13 student to the college.

Three candidates were selected by the college with a small group of alumni executive and building society representatives making the final choice. Alumni chairman Alister Argyle said the final three were all of a very high calibre with Clough acknowledged as a very impressive winner.

Next year she is studying health science and will include two music papers in her workload. She sings, plays the piano, cello and double bass. When she was announced as winner of the inaugural scholarship, Clough said she was stunned. For her, total commitment to college life was an important part of being a student.

“Ashburton College offers so many ways that students can be involved. It’s quite normal for me to give back to Mid Canterbury – it’s given so much to me,” she said.

Clough is currently in the middle of her NCEA exams and will spend most of her summer break working. A highlight, however will be attending the 11-day New Zealand Singing School in January.

By Sue Newman © The Ashburton Guardian - 19 November 2016