Senior College Scholars’ Dinner 2018
Senior College Scholars’ Dinner 2018
October 24, 2018 at 9:44 AM
With thanks to Year 13 Student, Andrew Chen
First held six years ago, the Scholars’ Dinner has since become a celebrated tradition. The evening is a chance for Scholars and their parents to celebrate the successes of the year together. The Head of Saint Kentigern, Mr Hodge, the Chair of the Trust Board, Mr John Kernohan, and Senior College Principal, Mrs Suzanne Winthrop also attended the function.
This year’s guest speaker, Old Collegian Tessa Meyer, inspired us with reflections of her journey since being at the College and how she has explored her interests to create a rewarding career as a leader in the urban regeneration industry. Head Girl in 2011, Tessa spoke about how the demands of the IB programme had instilled in her a strong work ethic and how it is not just opportunity that leads to success but being prepared for those opportunities when they arise.
Tessa completed a Bachelor of Science at the University of Canterbury post -earthquake. She was then selected for the master’s scholarship in urban resilience and renewal; a programme that didn’t exist when she first started University. She became vice president of the Student Volunteer Army contributing to the clean -up of the earthquake damaged city and explained how incredibly rewarding it was to make a lasting impact through her service to the city; a value instilled in her during her time Saint Kentigern College. Tessa is currently working as the Corporate Responsibility Advisor at Panuku Development in Auckland.
During the dinner, our MC’s Deputy Head Boy, Ben Staite and Deputy Head Girl, Hannah Williams spoke fondly about the year we spent together. The highlights included gaining insights into navigating University life from former Scholars, hearing Old Collegian and Rhodes Scholar Dr John Beckett share stories and insights from his career, gaining advice on university pathways, pondering Oxbridge interview questions, examining our personalities and the importance of grit and resilience, discussing current events and the most bizarre of ideas. Being part of the Scholars’ Group has undoubtedly been something for all of us to remember, and we would like to thank Mrs Catherine Watts for making it all happen.
