Girdlers' Scholarship Winner, Alex Ramsay

Alex Ramsay, aged 18, who attended St Patrick’s College, will study Human, Social and Political Sciences, a cross-disciplinary undergraduate degree unique to Cambridge. He intends to complete a master’s and doctorate in political science, political philosophy, development studies and/or international relations after his undergraduate degree. On completing his studies, Alex wants to serve Aotearoa New Zealand and the wider Pacific region in advancing themselves globally.

“By studying comprehensively in this field, my knowledge and skills will be those required to make a lasting impact in society. I hope to work in government linking New Zealand with global networks. I want to be someone who participates in meetings of national, regional and international significance, providing policy advice and assistance on economic and social development based on what I have learned throughout my education and experience.”

Alex’s St Patrick’s College referees describe him as having thrown himself into the life of the college and contributing across a range of areas, including sport.  Alex was a designated Manu Taupua (leader) in Year 13, having at the end of 2020 been awarded the Tupa’i Scholarship for best all-round student in Year 12.

Last year, he was Proxime Accessit to the college’s Dux and awarded the Brian O'Halloran Cup for best all-round contribution to the life of the college. He also received awards for house leadership, public speaking and coming first in economics, mathematics with statistics, biology, classical studies and religious education. Alex has regularly participated in the United Nations Youth Delegate Programme and has competed in the UN Youth New Zealand Secondary Schools’ speech competition.

In sport, he captained the college’s Senior A basketball team in 2021 and won the trophy for most valuable player in 2020. He was selected for the Wellington under-19 representative basketball squad in 2021 and had a trial for the Saints professional basketball team. His other sports are athletics and karate.

As well as playing guitar in the college jazz and chapel bands, Alex has his own trio, which has recorded a single available on Spotify. He is an avid busker and has also played to raise awareness and money for Cystic Fibrosis NZ.

Administered by Universities New Zealand – Te Pōkai Tara, Alex’s scholarship is funded by The Worshipful Company of Girdlers, which traces its foundation back to medieval times as a craftsmen’s guild. It awards a scholarship every three years to an outstanding New Zealand school student to undertake a degree at Corpus Christi College.

On being congratulated last night by his music teacher, Roger Powdrell, Alex replied  "As I’m sure you can imagine, I am very excited. I am also extremely grateful for all that the teaching staff at St Pat's have done for me in helping me to achieve this...please pass on my thanks to them when you get the chance and all the best for the rest of the school year and beyond."

To read the full story covered by SCOOP Education Independent News click here.