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ACG Founders’ Scholarship: winner announced

“Alex clearly has outstanding academic ability, but he is also ambitious, has exceptional drive and a clear vision of what he wants to achieve”

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ACG Parnell College Year 13 student Alex Pentchev has been announced as the inaugural winner of the ACG Founders’ Scholarship, established this year.  

The scholarship, awarded annually from 2018, is open to any ACG secondary school student in New Zealand who plans to commence a course of university study the following year. It is worth up to $75,000 and is funded by a grant from the ACG Education Foundation Trust.  

The scholarship recognises outstanding academic ability as well as personal qualities for future success such as integrity, leadership, boldness of vision, drive, energy and a capacity for work. 

A passionate scientist, Alex aims to undertake a Science degree at the University of Oxford next year majoring in Biochemistry, then go on to study medicine. Eventually he hopes to work in medical research, focusing on drug design in treating and curing specific diseases. 

Earlier this year, Alex represented New Zealand on an international scientific research internship in Africa’s Great Rift Valley. 

ACG Education CEO of Schools and Early Learning Clarence van der Wel said it had been a competitive process shortlisting applicants and choosing the winner, however Alex had stood out for his leadership abilities.  

“Alex clearly has outstanding academic ability, but he is also ambitious, has exceptional drive and a clear vision of what he wants to achieve,” Clarence said. “He is a friendly and engaging young man who leads by example and has the capacity to take people with him. We really do look forward to following Alex’s progress in the future.” 

The award was presented at today’s ACG Parnell College prizegiving by Senior College co-founder Dawn Jones, OBE, CNZM.  

Find out more about Alex in his student profile.