Founders' Vision Becomes Reality: First Friends of Bethlehem College Scholarship Awarded
Former Trustees of Bethlehem College witnessed their vision become reality, awarding of the Inaugural Friends of Bethlehem College Scholarship.
The scholarship was established in 2021 by a group of former trustees and friends of the school to provide an annual tertiary scholarship for senior Bethlehem College students. It operates as an endowment fund under the umbrella of the Acorn Foundation. The fund reached its initial goal of $50,000 in February 2024, enabling the award of the first annual scholarship in November 2024.
The scholarship is awarded to a student who demonstrates Christian service and leadership in school and community life. These were the goals of Bethlehem College's founders and remain priorities today.
“What a real privilege it was to be involved in the early establishment of Bethlehem College and to see it develop into the significant school it is today,” say Jeanette and Martin Knudsen. “It has been great to share in the creation of the scholarship and encourage the growth of leadership and service values among the students.”
Kristin Rippey, Bethlehem College Head Girl, was announced the winner at their Senior Prize Giving at the end of 2024. Kristin demonstrated exceptional dedication to service, earning the prestigious gold award from the Student Volunteer Army after completing more than 500 hours of community service beyond her school commitments. Her leadership extended to athletics, where she regularly coached and refereed younger student football teams, helping develop the next generation of players. Kristin's spiritual leadership was equally impressive, as she ran the student prayer meeting for three years and actively participated in the school-wide worship service. Her commitment to making a difference reached beyond local borders through her participation in three mission trips to Napier and the Solomon Islands. Kristin further distinguished herself by representing Bethlehem College at the 2023 World Vision Senior Summit, engaging with important humanitarian issues on a national platform.
These accomplishments, alongside her exemplary work as head girl coordinating numerous events, fundraisers and mentoring programs, made Kristin a truly worthy recipient of the inaugural Friends of Bethlehem College Scholarship.
This year, Kristin is attending AUT, studying a Bachelor of Health Science majoring in Physiotherapy. The Friends of Bethlehem College Scholarship provides her $2,000 towards her first-year fees, studies and living expenses.
"The award has absolutely changed my university experience, helping me to get set up in Auckland," Kristin says. "It has given me financial security so I can focus on my coursework and do the best I can."
The Knudsens add, “We are very proud of Kristin as the first recipient of the scholarship. Our hope and prayers for her and for forthcoming scholarship winners is that they will prosper in their studies and in the future direction of their lives.”
The founders of the endowment fund encourage contributions from others who are passionate about Bethlehem College and the success of its students. As the fund grows, scholarships can be increased in size and/or number.
If you would like to know more about participating in the scholarship programme, please contact Jo Wilson at the Acorn Foundation, 07 579 9839, jo@acornfoundation.org.nz.