A thank you to the Foundation:
I think I can speak for all of us students here today when I say we would not have been able to do what we do without the support of the Foundation, scholarship donors and of course the College. Not only are we all extremely grateful for the financial support we have received, but also the knowledge that people out there who we may have never met that believe in us and believe that we can be truly successful.
My time here at the College has been one that has undoubtedly shaped me to become the person I am today. I have been able to grow and flourish more in the past two years than I ever have in my life, and that would not have been possible without the amazing support systems us students find in the Foundation, the Old Collegians and the College as a whole.
As we all know, the College provides a caliber of education that all of us are lucky to receive. For many of us, we would not have been able to experience such a world-class education without your support. We are all able to compete in more sports than I thought possible, with everything from clay target shooting to archery, waterpolo and equestrian, we are not short of opportunities out on the sports field. We also have the chance to be a part of so many different arts and cultural showcases such as the annual Glee Club Production or Senior Drama, which help many to express their passion for the theatre and the arts. Us students would not be receiving an ‘allround education’ if the College wasn’t prepared to give it to us, so I say thank you on behalf of all us students for giving us the ability to explore so many different opportunities through the College.
Walking away from my final year at school I know myself to be prepared for anything uni can bring. King’s has taught me the work-ethic and discipline required to nail my law lectures; the selfconfidence required to make new friends and most of all how to take pride in my work and what I have achieved. As well as this, community service has taught us all to have an ever present sense of gratitude that we are able to have such an amazing education that we are lucky to continue. It is this sense of gratitude that will be carried with us into the future, and I’m sure many of us will definitely be looking to give back to the College in some way.
Perhaps what I will always be most grateful for, is the close friendships I have formed over my past two years at King’s. I have met so many amazing people that I am going to be so sad to leave at the end of this year. Now, this is where the Old Collegians network comes in handy. I know that even though I will finish my time at school in just a few weeks it is not the end of my journey with King’s. I think what is so special about the College is that not only do you grow up with it, but that it is with you all your life. I know that in a little while I’ll be back in the Pavilion, sipping on some afternoon tea and reminiscing on my time spent running through the halls of Middlemore house.
As well as this, as a young aspiring lawyer, the Old Collegians network has provided me with some pretty awesome opportunities. It was in fact at an Old Collegians lunch that I was passed the card of the Right Honourable Paul East who happens to be a QC, something I am very much interested in doing in the future. Now whilst I am studying in Wellington next year, Mr. East kindly offered for me to visit his offices one day, an opportunity I am glad to receive.
To conclude, I cannot begin to say how much your support means to us students. Your scholarships have been helping develop New Zealand’s next best Rowers, Cricketers, Rugby Players, Business Men and Politicians. You have helped to shape New Zealand's next generation of leaders. So thank you, for everything you have done and continue to do for the College. Your generosity never does go unnoticed.
Thank you.
Virtus Pollet.
Rita Shasha
