“I felt very excited when my Dad called me and told me. I rushed home eagerly to see my family,” he said.
The $6,000 grant towards an undergraduate Commerce or Business degree is open to West Auckland students with a passion for finance and numbers that would like to pursue a career in commerce.
Keegan, who plans to undertake a conjoint Engineering and Commerce degree next year, has a number of strings to his bow, including effort and achievement awards, top academic results, leadership experience and participation in extracurricular activities like the Sunderland Firebirds.
The aspiring civil or mechatronics engineer said he hoped one day to achieve great things that helped others.
“I’d like to give back to the community of West Auckland and wider New Zealand through the creation of products and services as an Engineer. I also hope to provide assistance later in life to people who would otherwise be unable to afford a quality education.”
Teacher Kim Pollock said her student had an excellent work ethic. “He is an outstanding academic and a diligent, hardworking student who displays a genuine passion and perceptive aptitude for Business. We are extremely proud of this achievement and wish him all the best with his future endeavours.”
Debbie Robson, spokesperson for UHY Haines Norton, said the organisation’s directors had been impressed by Keegan’s journey.
“He shows great maturity for his years, and speaks very highly of the support he has received from ACG Sunderland to help him to realise his potential. We imagine he is an excellent role model for younger students and we are sure he will be a great success in his chosen study and career field.”
