For a second year two speech and dramastudents from Rotorua have been awarded Speech New Zealand Geyser CommunityFoundation scholarships. The scholarships will fund their examination fees forthe three practical and four theory examinations to become Associates of SpeechNew Zealand. 

Speech New Zealand is the nationalexamination Board, providing relevant examination syllabuses for New Zealandspeech and drama teachers. Founded in 1964, it is a not for profit Trustcharged with administering examination centres, and providing syllabuses,support and research to the nationwide body of speech and drama teachers.

This year’s winners are Alex Keyte Beattieand Matthew McMenamin. 

Alex Keyte Beattie was a student of SusanWebb’s Voice in Action studio inRotorua until 2008, when she left to attend the University of Waikato. She has achieved Honours in all but two of her eight speech examinations so far. Alex says:“Speech and Drama training developed my ability to articulate my thoughtsclearly and expressively. It gave me the confidence to take on and succeed inleadership roles at John Paul College. This year, as a student in geography andenvironmental science at the University of Waikato, my speech training is helpingwhen I have to make class presentations and participate in debates.”

Matthew McMenamin was a student ofGabrielle Thurston in Rotorua. Now at Victoria University of Wellingtonstudying law, philosophy and politics, he is continuing his speech studies andhas already gained Distinction in four of his Associate examinations. Matthewtaught younger students in Gabrielle’s Catcha Rising Star drama studio and was Deputy Head Boy at John Paul College. Heparticipated in the Waikato Regional Russell McVeigh debating championships, theSheila Win Shakespeare Festival, the Chanel Shield drama competition amongCatholic schools, and in three JPC Players musicals: Les Miserable, Joseph andthe Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat, and Blood Brothers.

These Speech NZ scholarships areadministered by the Geyser Community Foundation. The Foundation was establishedin 2007, to foster and encourage philanthropic giving within the Rotoruacommunity. One of 10 such Foundations nationwide, the Foundation allows donorsto establish funds without the expense of setting up individual trusts, andenables donors to enjoy highly skilled investment strategies and the comfort ofknowing their wishes will be adhered to far beyond the life of any individual.

Margriet Theron, who provided the donationthat made these scholarships possible, is a Trustee of both the GeyserCommunity Foundation and Speech NZ. As there is a shortage of speech and dramateachers in New Zealand, she hopes that the scholarships will put some ofRotorua’s outstanding young students on a path to become speech teachers in thefuture. Margriet said: “Being able to express yourself and to be a good publicspeaker are vitally important skills in most careers. The scholarships will furtherdevelop these skills in Alex and Matthew, and in the young students they arealready teaching.”

Alex and Matthew will be presented withtheir Speech NZ scholarships in November, at a special ceremony to be held inRotorua.