Young Women Show Potential
The Zonta Club of Hawke’s Bay is pleased to advise the biannual award for a Young Woman of Potential. A celebration of
the successful candidate will be held at the Hawke’s Bay Opera House on July 20th at 7pm. The function is incorporates
the award presentation with the guest speaker Eva-Maria.
The shortlisted candidates were of exceptional calibre and each worthy of receiving the award. The winner, to be
announced on the night, is an exceptionally driven woman with excellent potential and the club is excited to be able to
support her in her ongoing education.
The guest speaker is Eva-Maria, a young 20 year old who wrote her first book “You Shut Up’ at age 17, when as a trained
mentor and coach she had spent her teenage years working with teenagers. Having lived in Russia and New Zealand, she
values the importance of understanding both sides to any story. In turn this has given her the ability to mediate some
of the toughest conflicts.
Eva-Maria finished High School one and a half years prior to her peers, passing New Zealand’s NCEA exams, and coming out
with excellent results in the 3 required NCEA levels. Until she enrols in University, Eva-Maria is dedicating her time
to keep working on bridging the gap between adults and teenagers all over the world.
The Zonta Club of Hawke’s Bay was founded in 1972 with its first award granted in 1978 with Sonja Davies as guest
speaker. For the last fifteen years this tradition has continued with annual awards granted to woman of the Hawke’s Bay,
alternating between the Young Woman of Potential and the Catherine Charman Award.
The Young Woman of Potential scholarship is awarded to a young woman of 16-19 years, who requires assistance for further
study or to train in her chosen field, this may include but is not limited to academic, sporting or cultural. The
recipient must be from the Hawke’s Bay (Dannevirke to Wairoa) and can use the award for study or training outside the
region.
The award is alternated each year with the Catherine Charman Award is awarded to an applicant over the age of 30 years,
who requires assistance for further study or to train in her chosen career. The applicant must be currently resident in
Hawke’s Bay but can use the award outside of the region.
Further References:
The Zonta Club of Hawke’s Bay website contains more information about the club and awards - zontahb.zonta.org.nz
Eva-Maria’s website - www.eva-maria.co.nz
ENDS