Ben HollandAshburton College’s Dux of 2019 has ranked in the top 3 per cent nationwide for his areas of study last year.

Ben Holland passed his physics scholarship exam, and has been named as a 2019 Outstanding Scholar Award winner for accounting and economics.

Most notably, he achieved the Top Subject Scholarship Award for economics.

In addition to achieving a Level 3 Excellence endorsement in his five NCEA subjects, Ben sat scholarship exams in accounting, economics and physics.

These results place him in about the top 3 per cent of Year 13 students in the country who studied these subjects, and will see him attend the Top Scholar Award Ceremony which will be hosted at Parliament in May.

NZQA Deputy Chief Executive Assessment, Kristine Kilkelly, says that the New Zealand scholarship is regarded as the most prestigious secondary school award in the country.

“It is designed to challenge the very best students and offers financial rewards for those going on to full time tertiary study in New Zealand,” she said.

For his efforts, Holland will receive a scholarship of $5000 each year for up to three years of his tertiary study.

He is enrolled at Canterbury University to study a bachelor of commerce, majoring in accounting and finance, and has commenced his studies.

In achieving this success, Holland said would like to acknowledge the assistance he received from Ashburton College teachers Bryan Bell (physics), Clair Bedward (accounting), and Ange Mitchell (economics).

In turn, Ashburton College acknowledges Ben’s stellar academic career at college and the input of the teaching staff which enabled extension to this exceptionally high level.

A top result in New Zealand exceeds the word ‘impressive!’ the school newsletter said.

© The Ashburton Guardian - 17 February 2020