Waiariki Institute of Technology has unveiled a new scholarship exclusively for high school students, designed to continue the legacy left behind by one of its most dedicated staff members.
Rosemary Johnson worked at a variety of educational outposts, before joining Waiariki's Whakatane Campus as Regional Development Manager in 2007.
Three years on, she determinedly took on the dual role of being the key driver, developer and manager of the newly-created Bay of Plenty Trades Academy.
The Trades Academy was a significant paradigm shift in the region's educational structure. It offered high school students with a strong passion for the trades and hands-on learning and serious alternatives to the established secondary curriculum.
Waiariki chief executive Margaret Noble said Ms Johnson was "proud of the difference she was able to make to the lives of so many young people, especially Maori".
"Waiariki is grateful for all the work she did in the secondary/tertiary space and she is greatly missed."
Passionate in her goals, Ms Johnson amazed staff in her ability to know every student within the Trades Academy, their family circumstances, the school they came from and more.
"From shouting them lunch or a ride home, to talking to their whanau and encouraging them to do their best, Rosemary gained their respect - and that's what I really liked about her," Waiariki's marketing manager Sue Gunn said.
"She walked the talk, she was strong and courageous."
With Ms Johnson's children, Marie and Roger, the annual Rosemary Johnson Scholarship will provide $2,500 towards the full time tuition fees of one student successfully transitioning from the Bay of Plenty Trades Academy into further study at Waiariki.
Acting director of partnerships and planning Clarke Raymond said Waiariki and the young people of the region owed an "enormous debt" to Ms Johnson.
