Wainuiomata High School students at rowing training on Wellington harbour. Photo: Supplied / Rowingpictureshow
A first-year teacher with a passion for rowing has secured Wainuiomata High School this year's Aon Emerging School Scholarship Award. Gordon Milne didn't want costs to be a barrier for students keen to pick up an oar at the low-income Lower Hutt school. The scholarship contributes $5000 each year toward an eligible school. Rowing - a notoriously intense, not to mention expensive, sport for high school students to partake in - has never been an option for those attending Wainuiomata High. Gordon has worked hard to secure grants and other funding to get the students this far. And has given hours of his personal time to make sure the students can get to their trainings and on the water. He hopes to foster a love of the sport and soon have the crew ready to compete in their first regatta.
