Masterton Trust Lands Trust Education Committee Chair Christine Brewster with 2020 Golden C’Art Scholarship winner Gemma Sims.

Golden C’Art Scholarship awarded to local student

Jul 2020

Former St Matthew’s Collegiate student Gemma Sims has been awarded this year’s Golden C’Art Scholarship from Masterton Trust Lands Trust (MTLT) to help with her study towards a Bachelor of Design with Honours at Massey University in Wellington.

Worth $1,000, the scholarship is awarded to a top performing Wairarapa student in a fine arts subject who is going on to study an arts-related course at a New Zealand tertiary institution. The recipient is selected through agreement by Wairarapa secondary school principals.

Ms Sims said it was a “very nice surprise” to get the scholarship, which will be a big help towards her study fees.

“The scholarship will take some of the stress off my study costs and allow me to focus more on my course,” she said.

“It’s also motivating to know there are people who are backing me and wanting me to do well.”

Ms Sims said she was enjoying the course and the chance to learn so many aspects of design. Following her studies, Ms Sims is planning to pursue a career in industrial design.

“Industrial design is part of so many of the products that we use every day. My goal is to work for a large company and design things that people will enjoy using.”

Ms Sims said she was grateful to MTLT for the scholarship and the difference it will make to her studies.

“It’s pretty cool to have a local organisation supporting students to study what they love doing and helping them to pursue their dreams. It’s a really nice feeling knowing the support is there in a small community.”

Originally established by the Golden C’Art Trust, MTLT continues to provide the scholarship following the dissolution of that trust two years ago.