We are proud to announce that WITT’s Bachelor of Nursing students Hayley Thorpe and Ilana McEldowney have been selected as the 2022 recipients of the Cliff Perrett Memorial Fund Scholarship gifted through Taranaki Foundation.

The annual scholarship, valued at $2000, is open to two students who are studying at WITT to help them meet their education and training costs.

Ilana, 28, a first-year nursing student and a former student of Hāwera High School, says receiving the scholarship means less financial stress during her time as a student by helping to cover fees and the cost of living.

“I am so grateful to be a recipient of the Cliff Perrett Memorial Fund from Taranaki Foundation. As a first-year student, it’s hard to decide where I will end up, as there are so many pathways to choose from in nursing. At this early stage, I see myself working in ICU or theatre.” Says Ilana.

Hayley, a former student of Spotswood College has worked over the past three years as a Health Care Assistant at the Taranaki District Health Board and Tainui Rest Home.

She says she is “extremely grateful” to receive this scholarship so that she can further her knowledge and become a registered nurse.

“As a solo mum this scholarship is such a blessing to myself and my whānau. I’m enjoying my studies and WITT and the tutors are very supportive. The Bachelor of Nursing Degree will open up more opportunities for myself and my whānau with a better future.” Says Hayley.

Mark Bowden, Chair of Taranaki Foundation Distribution Committee, says choosing the recipients was a difficult decision.

“Nurses play such an intimate and important role within our healthcare system. All the applications were very good, what really struck us was the passion the nurses all brought to their studies and the desire they have to make a difference in their community.”

 

Read more about the Cliff Perrett Fund here

Further information about Taranaki Foundation Scholarships can be found here

Find out more about Bachelor of Nursing at WITT