The programme pairs a student with a sponsor providing crucial financial support throughout their academic journey. This initiative is about not only providing quality education to those who can not obtain it, but it has been the catalyst for transforming the lives of 36 individuals.

One such recipient is Ray-ven (Williams 2019 - 2023) who recently completed five transformative years as a boarder.  Supported by an anonymous sponsor, Ray-ven’s time at St Paul’s was closely followed, even though he remains unaware of the sponsor’s identity. During that time, Ray-ven regularly wrote letters to his sponsor which illustrated the profound impact of support.  

As Ray-ven embarks on the next phase of his life, his final letter of heartfelt words to his sponsor serves as a reminder of the difference that support and education can make. From being a House Leader to excelling in sports and academics, Ray-Ven’s journey is a testament to the opportunities given to him by the Scholarship Programme.

To my sponsor, 

It is hard to believe that this will be my last letter to you. As I head into the last week of school I am filled with emotions. My journey here at St Paul’s has come to an end and the next chapter is about to begin. 

It has been awesome to be a House Leader for the mighty Williams House. We finished the year with a great performance in the Winter Sports Competition. We were unlucky with our results but had a great time, especially supporting our young bucks in the House. 

Once again, I am very fortunate to have some great teachers, especially my accounting teacher, Ms Bromwich, who has been so helpful and encouraging. Her belief in me has kept me going. I have achieved most of my credits and surprised myself with how well I have done. It will come down to my Art Painting credits to get me over the line for NCEA Level 3. 

The second half of the year has been very memorable for me. We finished our rugby season with a tournament played at King’s College in Auckland. I will be forever grateful for the opportunity of playing for the First XV at St Paul’s and earning my cap. I consider the friends I have made in rugby as some of my closest ever and we will remain friends well after I leave school. 

The new year will see me move home for a little bit and spend Christmas with my family in Moerewa. I will then head back down to Hamilton where I will be playing rugby for Tech. I would love to see you on the sidelines and maybe meet you in the clubrooms afterward.

I am so grateful for your generous donations over the past five years. To say my life has changed is greatly because of the opportunity to attend such an amazing school like St Paul’s and that is solely because of you!

So, on behalf of myself and my family, I would like to thank you so much for being my biggest supporter. I could never repay you for what you have done and what this school has given me. 

I am truly blessed, thank you. Ray-ven