Four Te Kura o Tititea Mount Aspiring College 2025 senior students have achieved prestigious New Zealand scholarships, recognising their exceptional academic performance.

Year 13 students in 2025, Ania-Kanu Saklani (Drama), Tanyn Wood (English), Zoe Giles (Health and Physical Education), and Charlie Blampied (Geography) have been recognised as top secondary school scholars in their respective subjects.

Top students in each subject are given the opportunity to do Scholarship assessments in order to achieve the award, which they can receive if they demonstrate deep subject knowledge, advanced critical thinking, and the ability to apply their understanding to complex situations.

Head of learning area for Drama Emily McRae said 2025 head student Ania-Kanu demonstrated an engaged and curious attitude throughout her preparation. 

“As a 2025 head student, Ania-Kanu navigated an extremely busy year, bravely committing to the scholarship exam,” she said.

Ania-Kanu said the Scholarship course was challenging but very fulfilling.

“It gave me a much deeper understanding of drama and how a performance flows,” she said. 

“Your pieces need to show your range as an actor, and working with Mrs McRae taught me how to dive deeper and make my performances feel truly lived-in.”

Tanyn, who is now studying a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Arts at Otago University, said she found Scholarship challenging but believes it has prepared her for higher learning across different contexts.

“The Scholarship English workshops were engaging, and I enjoyed discussing the content in more detail. It was great to have these regular critical discussions.”

Tanyn Wood, who is now studying a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Arts at Otago University, received Scholarship in English.

Zoe, who is now studying health sciences at the University of Otago with the aim of commencing physiotherapy next year, excelled in physical education, balancing sporting and academic success.

“Zoe enrolled in university papers to extend and enrich her learning in health and physical education,” Head of learning area for Health and Physical Education Neil Stuart said.

“I was particularly impressed by her exceptional time management and the way she fully embraced every opportunity available to her at the college.”

Social sciences teacher Lana Whipp said Charlie’s Scholarship success is a testament to her analytical rigour and meticulous attention to detail.

“Charlie’s year-long focus on complex data and map interpretation in Level 3 Geography ensured she was exceptionally well prepared for the exam.”

This year, Charlie is studying law, psychology, philosophy and geography at Otago University.

Scholarship recipients all receive a monetary award, which ranges from a $500 one-off payment to up to $10,000 each year for up to three years for premier awards.

PHOTOS: MAC