Penina Lote
School: Wainuiomata High School
Scholarship Partner: Spark New Zealand
PREFECT, HOUSE LEADER, 2010
The Principal of Wainuiomata High School described Penina as 'an outstanding young woman, a natural leader and a thoroughly nice person who is always positive in her interactions with others and her approach to learning.' This role model student received secondary school prizes for Excellence in Japanese, English and Leadership. Her proficiency in the Japanese language saw her travel to Japan with a school group. In addition to being a Prefect, she was a committed student librarian, soccer player and was a compelling leader of the Polynesian Group.
Carl Wairau from Telecom, noted at the time of Penina's application to become a First Foundation Scholar that "she has a passion to learn and impart to others. One of her key statements which impressed me at the interview was about wanting to help up others. For a girl of 16 years old - brilliant!"
Penina is now studying a Bachelor of Arts at Victoria University. She aspires to become an English teacher and to help Pacific Island communities speak and understand the English language better.