Bernadette comes to the First Foundation
highly recommended by Ann Crawford, the Year 12 Dean at McAuley
High School: 'Bernadette is a conscientious and driven student.
When she sets her mind to a task she will achieve it and has the
potential to make a significant contribution to the economy and our
community. She is dedicated, diligent and commands respect by her
presence; she is a very worthy candidate.' In 2009, Bernadette
achieved a record number of Excellence credits at McAuley High
school in NCEA Level 1, with 139 overall, 60 of which were of
Excellence and 48 of Merit endorsement. For this she was awarded
NCEA Level 1 with Excellence. Bernadette was first in Year 11
Science, Mathematics and Physical Education.
Bernadette is renowned for her sporting prowess in many fields,
receiving blues for a number of school teams over her years. She
plays in the Senior 1 League, Netball and Touch teams, holding
leadership positions in all and volunteers as a referee in Netball.
She is a Student Council Representative, a member of St Vincent de
Paul group and on the Sports Committee. Bernadette has also
participated in the ASB Polyfest in the Samoan group and the Stage
Challenge.
Bernadette is also involved in the wider community, being part of
the St Anne's Titanates Netball club, playing for Auckland Samoa
Netball Club and the Manurewa U15 representative team and was
awarded Player of the Year. Bernadette is an Auckland League
Representative. She also plays an active role in her church as a
Minister of the Reading and is a Mangere Youth Member of Parliament
candidate for 2010.
At the completion of Year 13, Bernadette wishes to study at the
University of Auckland. She would like to pursue her interest in
Engineering, but is yet to choose which speciality. She is
considering Bioengineering with the possibility of a Conjoint with
Commerce, majoring in Accounting and/or Management.
"Bernadette is a strong young woman who inspired us in her
interview both with her determination to succeed, and her pride in
her Samoan ethnicity. She is an obvious role model for her peers
and displays huge potential as a future leader in whatever she
chooses to do." Jo Mason, General Manager - Corporate & Niche
Business, NZI