We were delighted to host an event on Tuesday, 20 June 2023 at The Kollective in Tauranga, to celebrate the 2023 cohort of Outward Bound Scholarship winners. These scholarships are awarded annually to local Year 12 students to attend the Tangaroa Watch programme at Anakiwa in the South Island.

At the event, Josh Hansen of Whakatane High School shared more about his life-changing experience at Outward Bound. The outdoor adventure helped the students to build transferable skills and attitudes, as they took responsibility for the challenge ahead of them. Strong friendships were forged, lasting memories were made, and the students discovered the extent of their resilience through this unforgettable experience. 

This is the seventh year that committed Acorn donors and other local supporters have provided these valuable scholarships to this 3-week programme that uses outdoor adventure and physical activities to build self-confidence, resilience, perseverance and communication skills, which deliver life-long benefits. Students are nominated by their schools and selected by Outward Bound staff based on their commitment to their school and community, along with demonstrated financial need.

Jo Wilson, Acorn's Donor Relations & Scholarships Coordinator, said, "This scholarship allows students from local schools to experience a truly life-changing course. Every year we hear how students who have attended the programme have undergone a transformation in their self-confidence and communication skills. Thank you to Acorn's generous donors for giving our local rangatahi this wonderful gift."

The Acorn team would like to congratulate the following scholarship winners:

• Tauranga Boys’ College: Ryan Speirs, Aaven Mcgarva, and Olly Dow
• Tauranga Girls’ College: Meghan Hughes and Ellie White
• Otūmoetai College: Paiana Smith and Alyssa Toomer
• Pāpāmoa College: Summer Preece  
• Te Puke High School: Sieanna Livingstone and Charlie Anderson
• Katikati College: Isaac Rangikotua and Lyrique Jacobs-Tahana
• Whakatane High School: Maddison Lynch and Josh Hansen

Learn more about scholarships awarded by the Acorn Foundation here.