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Lauren Scullin wins Cashin scholarship
A dedicated volunteer at Bob Owens Retirement Village in Tauranga has won the 2021 Cashin Scholarship.
Lauren Scullin, 18, is off to Canterbury University to study speech and language pathology and hopes one day to help people with communication challenges.
The $5,000 scholarship will have a big impact on her and her family after a tough year, she said.
“It will make a huge difference to my studies as it’s a long way to go to Christchurch from Tauranga.
“And my parents have also needed to provide financial support over many months for both of my brothers who lost their jobs,” says Lauren, who is the youngest in the family.
Lauren’s hard-working ethic and dedication to service made her a strong contender for the award, having volunteered at Bob Owens for four years and for charity Recreate NZ, which supports families who have a child with disabilities, since August 2019.
“I think it’s important to find time for service, not just for the people I’m doing a service for, but for myself as it makes me feel humble and it gives me great satisfaction,” says Lauren, an honours student in her academic subjects as well as high achieving in speech and drama, piano and singing.
“I aspire to have a career which enables me to use the latest technologies and methods to help other people find their voice, be it through autism or from having a stroke or another disability.”
Blair Cashin said the family found picking a winner a tough task each year with this year’s 91 entries no exception.
“Each year we all find it really humbling to see so many deserved winners of the Cashin Scholarship, it’s never an easy task to pick just one, “ Blair said.
“Dad was always big on education and giving back to the community. Lauren very easily ticks those boxes with her vast array of community services and as well as wanting to further develop herself professionally by continuing into tertiary education.
“The Cashin family wish her all the best in 2021 and also wish to thank Ryman for continuing to add to Dad’s legacy through this scholarship.”
Pictured: The Cashin Scholarship winner Lauren Scullin.
