DWC scholarship for agricultural rising star

Jack Dennehy-Coles from South Westland has been awarded one of the 2024 Development West Coast (DWC) Tertiary Scholarships, supporting his pursuit of a Bachelor of Commerce in Agriculture and Professional Accounting at Lincoln University.

Born and raised on a dairy farm in Whataroa, Jack is focused on a career in agriculture and achieving his goal of becoming a farm owner.

“This has been a dream since I was a child. I have always loved working on farms with animals, growing food,” he says. “I see it as an interesting and varied industry with lots of opportunities and where no two days are the same.”

Jack is a standout in both academics and sports, demonstrating leadership as the head boarder, school prefect and junior rugby coach at St Bede’s College. He is an excellent role model, mentoring and coaching younger students.

DWC awards four scholarships annually, and to date, there have been 12 recipients. The scholarships aim to cultivate and retain talented West Coast youth by eliminating barriers to training and employment.

Each scholarship, valued at up to $32,500, offers more than financial aid. Recipients also receive summer work opportunities and a guaranteed job in the West Coast after completing their tertiary education, ensuring a bright future for both the students and the region.

Jack says the scholarship will be an immense financial help reducing the burden of studying.

“The logistical support for finding jobs will also be useful,” he added. “The scholarship will reduce the worry of things like finding summer employment and paying fees, helping me focus my effort even more on my studies. I feel incredibly grateful and blessed to receive the scholarship and always will be.”

During his academic pursuits, Jack will return to the West Coast to work on a neighbour’s dairy farm.

“The West Coast enables a great lifestyle, the community is very strong and supportive and I love the weather, including the rain,” he adds.