College scholarships bring star students to Queenstown

A nationwide search for future hospitality and adventure tourism stars has resulted in two high school students each winning a $25,000 scholarship to study in Queenstown.

Seventeen-year-old Anthony Metcalve (correct) from St Andrew’s College in Christchurch was selected as the recipient of Queenstown Resort College’s (QRC) QRC Diploma of Hospitality Management Scholarship for 2010.

Cambridge High School student Shelley Lugtigheid (correct), also 17, was the judges’ pick for the 2010 QRC Diploma of Adventure Tourism Management Scholarship.

The scholarships cover full tuition fees for the duration of the two-year programmes.

A rigorous selection process began with a record number of applications from teenagers across the country and ended with the five most outstanding students in each category coming to Queenstown for a final assessment.

As part of the final assessment and to dispel lingering nerves, the five shortlisted students were whisked to Arthurs Point on arrival in Queenstown to sample adventure with Shotover Canyon Swing.

Each student then faced a 40-minute panel interview with QRC’s Head of School and two industry representatives.

Harvey Bourne, Head of School of Hospitality & Tourism, said Anthony’s thorough understanding of the hospitality industry particularly impressed the two industry representatives on the panel who said they would employ him on the spot.

“Anthony is a very talented young man. He demonstrates all the attributes a scholarship student should have as well as a professional attitude and strong commitment to furthering his career in the industry,” said Mr Bourne.

Anthony is working at Christchurch’s Wagamama restaurant while completing his final year of high school. He was promoted after only two months to the junior management role of team leader.

His career goal is to become a general manager by the age of 25 - something he regards as ambitious but highly achievable.

“I started working in hospitality at the age of 11 and love it. Winning this scholarship is fantastic and will be a huge leg up for my career and my future.”

John Cushen, QRC’s Head of Adventure Tourism, congratulated Adventure Tourism Scholarship winner Shelley Lugtigheid, saying she would be an outstanding student, leader and ambassador for the college.

“Shelley demonstrates excellent leadership and outdoor skills, has a strong academic background and an impressive list of achievements.”

Shelley is passionate about the outdoors and has proven early managerial skills by helping with the organisation and running of Cambridge High School’s outdoor education course. She is also a member of the school environmental committee and is involved in peer support and peer mediation.

Shelley enjoys adventure sports including mountain biking, scuba diving, rock climbing, kayaking, white water rafting, tramping, orienteering, bush survival and snowboarding. Excited about the scholarship, she believes the QRC course will provide the knowledge and skills she needs to break into the adventure tourism industry.

“My objective after graduating is to use the experiences and knowledge I’ll have gained to work my way to the top of an adventure tourism company."

Mr Cushen said the future of the adventure tourism industry is in good hands judging by the high quality of students choosing this career path and applying for our scholarship.

Established in 2006, QRC’s hospitality and adventure tourism scholarships are designed to identify New Zealand teenagers who deserve the opportunity of a world class education and who will become outstanding ambassadors for the college.