Ann Crawford, the Year 12 Dean at McAuley
High School recommends Hazel for a First Foundation Scholarship:
'Hazel is a forward thinking young Polynesian woman who always
strives for excellence at any given task. I am nominating Hazel
because I consider her to be a worthy candidate. She is an academic
student and always eager to learn, never satisfied with mediocre
results. She will be an asset to any company that employs her.' In
2009, Hazel achieved NCEA Level 1 with a Merit endorsement and was
first in Year 11 Mathematics.
Hazel is part of the Tongan Group at school and participated in
Polyfest 2010. She is also a member of the SADD Committee and in
2009 was in the Under 15 Girls Rugby team. Outside of school time,
she is heavily involved in her Church of Jesus Christ Latter Day
Saints, for which she is a Youth President. She also sings in the
Youth choir and is involved in the bible studies course for four
years which she attends in the mornings before school. Through the
church she takes part in a number of community projects like
visiting the sick and elderly and cleaning up the alleyways and
clearing graffiti. She is also an active member of the Church's
Zumba class. In her spare time, Hazel and her siblings run a paper
delivery.
Hazel is considering a conjoint degree in Law and Commerce at
Victoria University, The University of Otago or The University of
Auckland. Hazel wants a career that will help to serve justice in
the community especially for youth. Her ultimate dream is to become
a judge. Hazel will be the first in her family to attend
University.
Meredith Connell recognises Hazel's potential and is pleased to
have her as part of the team: 'Hazel formerly had the dubious
reputation as a school truant and primary source of class
disruption. However, some years ago she decided to make something
of her life. This transformation is well underway as demonstrated
by her topping her year in statistics and computing plus being the
recipient of the school commerce award from the 6th form. This is
all testimony to her new dedication and commitment plus recognition
that, to a large extent, she can control her own
destiny.'