Chief of Navy scholarship

Scholarship support for high achieving Cadet

A Nelson-based Sea Cadet says her Chief of Navy scholarship will definitely make a difference as she departs the province for university studies.

Petty Officer Cadet Jess Verkuil, 18, from TS TALISMAN, was awarded the $5,000 scholarship at a unit ceremony recently. The prize is awarded annually to a serving Sea Cadet to support them in their first year of tertiary study. It goes to a cadet who embodies the Navy’s Core Values by demonstrating their commitment to the Sea Cadet Corps as an integral and valued part of the RNZN Family.

Speaking to Navy Today just before heading to Dunedin, POCDT Verkuil says she was very thankful to get the scholarship. She is about to start her first year in Health Science at Otago University, and is eyeing up medical school for the future.

She followed her sister – who has since joined the Navy – into Cadet Forces. “She came home from cadet nights with fun stories, so I wanted to be involved.” Now in for five years, she says she likes the fun, opportunities and getting involved. “I was quite shy when I joined. Cadets have taught me commitment and courage to step outside my comfort zone. It has also given me leadership abilities and a general interest to get involved and give things a go, taking on leadership positions when presented. I look at challenges with confidence and a problem-solving attitude. It’s also taught me there is always a group of people that can help me when I can’t do something by myself.”

Scholarship applicants need to meet a set of criteria to apply. Their study must meet pre-defined criteria, and their applications are put forward to a selection panel consisting of the Chief of Navy, the President of the Sea Cadet Association of NZ, the Commandant of the New Zealand Cadet Forces and the Director of Coordination (Navy).

POCDT Jess Verkuil receives her Chief of Navy scholarship. Pictured with her parents Julia and Martin Verkuil at TS TALISMAN.