Variety Gold Heart Scholars 2011

Each year Variety helps around 20 talented Kiwi kids to reach their full potential and overcome personal challenges with a Variety Gold Heart Scholarship.

These young people, who already excel in the arts, sports or education, are awarded financial support of up to $5,000 and matched with a mentor to help them achieve their life goals.

Congratulations to the 2011 Gold Heart Scholars!

Year One

Nathan Brown

Nathan is currently the number one ranked diver for 11 years and under boys in New Zealand for both springboard and three metre springboard. He doesn't let asthma and severe allergies to egg and peanuts stand in his way of achieving his future goals. Nathan's coach says he has courage, tenacity and dedication rarely seen in so young an athlete and consistently shows the character of an elite sportsperson in the making. In May, Nathan made New Zealand diving history by scoring straight 10s in one event - last achieved by any diver in 1984! Nathan has set his sights high, and goals for the future include competing in Australian competitions, World Championships, Commonwealth Games and scoring gold at the Olympics. The Gold Heart Scholarship will be used for coaching and costs associated with competing internationally.

Ayush Bhatnagar

16 year old Ayush from Mount Eden, Auckland was selected by Paralympics NZ in May 2010 to compete at the Arafura Games in Darwin where he won two silver medals. Ayush has suffered from congenital myopathy since birth but competes in both able-bodied and disabled table tennis tournaments. He has shown great commitment and effort towards training and competing which is reflected in his top results at a competitive level. He is also actively involved in cricket and other recreational activities such as Rotary Challenge Camp and a Spirit of Adventure tour. Ayush's goal is to attend the Paralympics in 2012. One day he would like to be able to mentor and coach others with a disability. The Gold Heart Scholarship will be used for international competition costs and coaching, travel expenses and table tennis equipment. Ayush's scholarship has kindly been sponsored by FORD

Stacey Christie

Stacey's artwork leaves a lasting impression of inspiration, as she continues to produce designs and photographs that have won numerous awards and have even made their way to the walls of California's Knott's Berry Farm. Stacey, who lives with limb girdle muscular dystrophy, is majoring in Design at Massey University. Stacey is described as motivated and enthusiastic to excel at everything she does. Her design teacher at college says "her effort in photography and design is without equal and the quality of work is to match". She received most outstanding student awards in 2008, 2009 and 2010 at Waimea College. As well as her academic efforts, Stacey is also heavily involved in the community, fundraising and volunteering for a range of charity organisations. When she completes her studies, she hopes to travel overseas and gain an international perspective on fashion and design in New York and Asia. Stacey's scholarship has kindly been sponsored by CMC Markets

Scott Galloway

Squash player Scott Galloway from Lower Hutt finished in the top four players in the world in the under 13 age group at the British Junior Open in January 2011. His dedication to the sport has been noted by his teachers and coach, who have no doubts that Scott could become New Zealand's youngest ever A grade squash player in the next few years. Scott is a dedicated sports player who is prepared to put in the hard yards and his outstanding results to date reflect this. He aims to be the world number one in squash. To maintain his current level of squash, Scott needs to play internationally to ensure he does not get left behind by his competitors. The Gold Heart Scholarship will help Scott to compete in these international tournaments and pay for coaching. Scott's scholarship has kindly been sponsored by the Glenn Family Foundation.

Callum Geddes

This passionate horse rider from Central Otago was selected to travel to the UK for seven weeks to compete against his peers in all equestrian events as a result of his various achievements in equestrian competitions in New Zealand. The Gold Heart Scholarship has contributed towards the costs of this trip. Callum's comedic personality shines as he comments about the trip being a once in a life time opportunity "even if it means I have to travel with my mate - diabetes". After winning the South Island Secondary Schools Multi Sports Champ in 2010, this 17 year old has proven to both friends and family that his life-threatening condition will not get in the way of fulfilling his dreams. In his spare time he trains and shoes horses, and hopes to gain a farrier's apprenticeship when he finishes school.

Krysta Hoani

Krysta will be representing NZ in the World Softball Championships this year in South Africa after being named in the Junior White Sox team. She was also selected as part of an NZ Development Team travelling to Australia to play. This dedicated 17 year old pitcher has proven to be a valuable team player, competing with the Otahuhu Premier Women's Softball Team in Auckland since she was 14-years-old. Her love of softball means that she dedicates her spare time to training the younger girls in her club and being a role model and mentor. Krysta is a focused and sensible student at school as well, creating a well-rounded representative of her country. The Gold Heart Scholarship will help Krysta with travel expenses and equipment. Krysta's scholarship has kindly been sponsored by Contours Greenlane.

Otis Horne

Otis lives with spina bifida and has been confined to a wheelchair for most of his life, but he has proven to his peers and family that he is well on his way to achieving his lifelong goal to compete at the Paralympics in the future - gaining Paralympic classification registration this year for wheelchair athletics. This 14-year-old shows determination and a competitive nature that has helped him to excel at wheelchair athletics, having won five gold medals at the New Zealand Secondary School Champs in 2010. He was named the Hawke's Bay Secondary Schools Male Sports Person of the Year in 2010. Otis also holds the National records in his class for both 100m wheelchair sprint and shot put competitions. The Gold Heart Scholarship will allow him to get special gloves and equipment for his sport, as well as professional coaching. Otis' scholarship has kindly been sponsored by CMC Markets.

Nikita Howarth

Cambridge resident Nikita has bilateral upper limb deficiency and was born with no hands. At age 12, she is a star swimmer with several gold medals for breaststroke under her belt. She was selected to compete as part of the New Zealand team at the Arafura Games in Darwin 2011 and has been chosen to go to the Pan Pacific Para-Swimming Championships in Canada in August. Nikita has her sights set high on attending multiple Paralympic Games in the future but most of all she looks forward to having fun in her sporting activities, which always provide an exciting challenge. Paralympics NZ Athlete Development Manager, Hadleigh Pearson, believes that Nikita's dedication and willingness to push herself in new situations means that she has a huge future in Paralympic sport.  Nikita's scholarship has kindly been sponsored by the New Zealand Woman's Weekly

Nicole Silver

New Zealand Champion artistic roller skater Nicole could take steroids to help her manage asthma and Respiratory Distress Syndrome, she does not due to competing restrictions, so she has to go the extra mile and work hard to control it. This year Nicole is advancing up a grade from Ladies Youth to Junior Ladies Figures where she will compete above her age grade. At the age of 15 this Palmerston North artistic roller skater consistently amazes both her parents and her coach who continue to support Nicole with her goals to compete internationally in the years to come. The Gold Heart Scholarship has enabled Nicole to replace her worn out wheels and pay for skating equipment, rink hire, coaching fees, and competition fees to help her reach the next level of skating and compete internationally.

Isaac Sutherland

Isaac has been doing gymnastics since age three. In 2010 this Blenheim resident successfully trialled for the under 12 Talent Identification Men's Squad at the National Gym Sports Championships. Isaac has proven to his coach that he has what it takes to compete in a high performance gymnastic squad and his dedication to this demanding sport means that he will go far. He also regularly places in the top two spots in vault, parallel bars, high bars, floor, pommel and rings in competitions throughout New Zealand. Receiving the scholarship from Variety will enable Isaac to travel to competitions and training clinics in Auckland to compete against the best NZ gymnasts and represent his country at the highest level. Isaac's scholarship has kindly been sponsored by the John Mitchell McLachlan Trust.

Ripeka Te Teira

Ripeka is a hard working creative individual who has been selected to represent NZ at the world children's festival in Washington DC, after winning the NZ competition for the 4th Child Art Olympiad. Ripeka's dedication and artistic abilities means she will have the opportunity to meet other child artists from 100 countries around the world at this world art symposium and her artwork will be displayed at the London Olympics in 2012. The 15-year-old Paeroa resident lives with her aunty, brother and eight other children after losing her mother five years ago. Teachers and tutors speak of a quiet achiever who is creative, talented, hardworking and very kind to younger students. Ripeka's scholarship has kindly been sponsored by CMC Markets.

Danielle van der Heijden

Danielle is a high academic achiever, who is currently completing a Bachelor of Science Degree at Waikato University. She attended St Cuthbert's College on a scholarship and her diligence and hard work was reflected in her top marks. This 17 year old from Mangere, Auckland received the Sir Peter Blake achievement award in 2010 and is aiming to become a research scientist. Her previous physics teacher described her as one of the most talented students he has known in his teaching career and says that her enthusiasm to take on new challenges will take her far in her academic future. Danielle lives with type 1 diabetes, but she doesn't let that get in the way. As well as excelling academically, Danielle plays tennis, squash and badminton and does karate, tramping and kayaking. Danielle's scholarship has kindly been sponsored by CMC Markets.

Jessica Williams

Jessica from Upper Hutt is a talented performer, singer, flautist and artist with an absolute passion for any creative performance. Jessica became an ostomate at age 11, lives with Old Scheuermann's Disease and has faced many medical challenges, but has made a decision to live life to the fullest. She recently submitted a few works of art to the New Zealand Art Show and was offered a solo panel, an achievement for most artists, but especially one who is only 16 years old. Jessica has received many performing arts awards and has gained a Senior Performing Arts Scholarship at Chilton St James School this year. She is part of the Wellington G&S Light Opera. With the Gold Heart Scholarship, Jessica will be able to attend specialist tuition and painting classes, cover exam costs and buy art supplies and music manuscripts. Jessica's scholarship has kindly been sponsored by CMC Markets.

Comfrey Sanders

18-year-old Nelson resident, Comfrey has recently been selected to be part of the National Youth Shakespeare Company to perform at the Globe Theatre in London. The Gold Heart Scholarship will allow her to make the trip. This achievement comes after performing in many productions throughout high school with a list of theatre awards to her name. Comfrey suffers from dyslexia which means that she has to work harder to achieve her NCEA written qualifications. However her dedication and motivation have helped her succeed. Both her parents are highly passionate about the arts and are very proud that there daughter had received the opportunity to perform with some of the most talented performers around the world. Comfrey's scholarship has kindly been sponsored by CMC Markets.

Year Two

Jesse Reynolds

Although Jesse was born with no thigh bone and a malformed hip socket, he has proven to his family and coaches that he has what it takes to compete against the best -holding both short and long course Paralympic records in swimming. The 15-year-old Hamilton resident received his first prosthetic leg at 17-months, but took up competitive swimming only a few years ago. Jesse has attended the 2011 Arafura Games in Darwin, as well as receiving bronze at Central SNZ Long Course Champs. His goal is to win Gold for NZ at the Paralympics but first he needs to qualify for the Worlds in 2012. Paralympics NZ says he has a very chance of doing so.

Tyla Kingi

Tyla is a 12-year-old golfer from Opotoki whose swing has been noticed by professional golfers around the world as one of extreme talent. She has not only gained worldwide recognition as an up and coming sportsperson, but she has completed in championships around the world, finishing top in her age group. Last year Tyla was awarded Bay of Plenty under 19 champion and also Bay of Plenty Junior Golfer of the Year. With further mentoring from well-known NZ golfing professional, Susan Farron, Tyla hopes to become World No 1. Although Tyla struggles with Sever's Disease, which makes it difficult to walk around the golf course, she has the full support of her family who will do what it takes to see their daughter live out her golfing dream. Tyla's scholarship has kindly been sponsored by CMC Markets.

Talor Gilmer

Upper Hutt resident Talor does not let being deaf get in the way of his dream to compete in track and field sports at a national and international level. The 18-year old ranked in the top 12 for over 800m at the NZ Secondary Schools Association Championships and recently qualified to compete in the North Island Championships. His dream is to compete in the 2013 Deaflympics games in Athens. Both Talor's teacher and parents believe that he has what it takes to get to the Deafylmpics. He is constantly challenging himself and focusing on improving through consistent training to keep lowering his personal best times. The Gold Heart Scholarship will help Talor to purchase new running shoes, gym membership and remedial sports massages.

George Hewitt

15-year-old George lives with cerebral palsy and remains an inspiration to his coach and family as he is so committed to his athletic training. George is the current holder of New Zealand records in 400m, 800m and 1500m as well as receiving bronze at the Secondary School Championships in other track races in 2010. His teachers speak very highly of his contributions to the school and describe him as "focused and engaging". George has the love and support from his family and twin brother to help him beat his personal bests in the up and coming New Zealand Championships this year. The Gold Heart Scholarship will contribute towards running shoes and equipment, coaching and travel costs to compete around New Zealand.

Natasha Boon

This talented gymnast and dancer from Rangiora thrives on competition. Natasha may only be 11 years old but she has already become a member of the National 2016 Olympic Games Talent Squad, holding countless gymnastic awards and medals. Recently Natasha attended the 2011 Australian National dance champs winning platinum gold in Broadway Jazz and Lyrical. Her coach believes that Natasha's concentration and independence makes Natasha an exceptionally talented gymnast and performer who will achieve great results in the New Zealand Championships. She has passed all her Royal Academy of Dance Ballet exams with exceptionally high Distinction scores and performed in the Royal New Zealand Ballet's The Nutcracker in 2010. She hopes to one day dance full time. Natasha's scholarship has kindly been sponsored by the Glenn Family Foundation.

Mark Wilson

16-year-old Mark has cerebral palsy but does not let this get in the way of achieving fantastic results in table tennis. Residing in Tauranga, Mark has had to travel away from his family frequently to attend competitions around New Zealand and in Australia. His commitment to training and attending camps have paid off, receiving his Paralympic ranking after success at the Arafura Games in Darwin this year. Mark is the first table tennis player to achieve a Paralympic Development Athlete position. With a new coach and continuing success at competitions, Mark is well on his way to achieving his goal of attending the 2016 Paralympics in Brazil. The Gold Heart Scholarship will help with coaching fees, tournament entry fees, travel, accommodation and uniforms.

Matthew Roets

Talented sportsman Matthew doesn't let having type 1 diabetes stand in his way of achieving his goals in cycling and triathlon. He has learned to manage his condition and continues to excel. He was selected in 2011 to represent Auckland at the National Track Cycling Champs in Invercargill achieving 2nd and 4th placings in triathlon and time trials in the U14 and U15 age groups. He is firmly committed to his strict training programme which includes swimming, running and cycling. Matthew dreams of one day representing New Zealand in international competitions. The Gold Heart Scholarship contributes towards equipment like running shoes, wetsuits, clothing and racing suits, as well as the cost of competing in triathlon and cycling events. Matthew's scholarship has kindly been sponsored by the Glenn Family Foundation.

Emma Hazelwood

This 17-year-old roller skating star from Upper Hutt started competing at the age of five to help keep her asthma under control. Since then Emma has won hundreds of medals, with national titles in the four disciplines that she competes in. She took part in the World Roller Skating Championships in Portugal last year, won a silver medal in the NZ Nationals in 2011 and a bronze medal at the Oceanias last year for Junior Figures. Her coach is very proud of her achievements and dedication to training so she can gain selection to compete at the World Championships again, this time in Brazil. Emma says she has learnt so much in competing at such a high level, not just about skating but also how to present herself to the judges.

Year Three

Áine Kelly-Costello

This 16-year old Gold Heart Scholar from Warkworth, continues to amaze as she extends her skills in swimming, flute, piano and her academic exams. Although Áine's blindness presents her with challenges at times, she has proven that she has the dedication needed to compete at the highest standard across many different subject areas. She received the top overall exam mark in New Zealand for Grade 8 flute from the ABRSM, the leading authority on musical assessment around the world, has won several gold medals for swimming and was awarded top scholar at Pinehurst College in the IGCSE exams, doing all eight subjects in braille. Áine is part of the Paralympics NZ Talent Development Group and has a strong likelihood of representing New Zealand at the Paralympics in 2011 and 2016. This is the third year that Áine has received a Gold Heart Scholarship from Variety to further her music and swimming.