Claire Connor (Taradale Rotary Club), Emre Erturk (EIT School of Computing), Keith Lines (Taradale Rotary Club) back row (l-r) presented the scholarships to EIT students Lorraine Grant and Chad Tareha (front row).
The Rotary Club of Taradale selected EIT degree students Chad Tareha and Lorraine Grant as this year’s EIT Awards of Excellence winners. The scholarship recipients were announced at the 30th annual ceremony at EIT’s Scholars Restaurant, and given $1,000 each towards their studies.
Chad and Lorraine were nominated not only based on their academic grades, but also their leadership and community activities.
Chad is a member of the steering group developing an outdoor learning environment at EIT, and chairman of the Ngāti Pārau Hapū Trust as well as of the Waiohiki Māori Marae committee. In addition, he serves on the board of the Marine Culture Health Programme for the Napier Port. At the same time, Chad is juggling a full-time Bachelor of Arts (Māori) and a growing family with his second son due in August.
His journey at EIT started when his partner enrolled him into a Te Reo Māori course in 2015. Chad was working for an engineering company at the time, but soon became so passionate about studying that he completed qualification after qualification discovering many new areas of interest.
For Lorraine, her three-year-old daughter Briar was the main game-changer. Lorraine left school at 16 to become a hairdresser. But working long hours wasn’t compatible with her new life as a mother. “I looked at different study options and came across the Bachelor of Business Studies with the Accounting major, and just gave it go.”
Having to accommodate various commitments is tough, Lorraine admits, but she tries to keep it balanced. “I just want to finish my degree and build a better future for my family.” Lorraine shows a consistent interest in the wider issues of business and is a good public speaker. Her goal is to get a job with an accounting firm and build her knowledge.
The Rotary Club of Taradale established the annual EIT scholarship in 1989. This is just one of the club’s many efforts to support local education. Current Club President Keith Lines has been delighted about the continuing relationship with EIT and the quality of the students. “We are sure that these role-models will encourage others, become a part of the Rotary club network and get involved in our work with the community.”