First scholarship recipient has sights set on UN

Katherine Yip of Dannemora, a former student of Baradene College of the Sacred Heart in Auckland, is the first recipient of the newly created Erica Pabst Scholarship.

The 20-year-old is currently studying for a law and arts degree at Auckland University. Katherine has been a passionate volunteer for Trade Aid for the past six years, and has her sights set on a career helping people in third world countries through the application of international law and human rights. She says the scholarship of $3750 will help her pursue a career in fair trade, and she would eventually like to work for the United Nations.

“It’s a real honour to receive this scholarship, and to also be the first recipient. It’s a very significant stepping stone towards helping me make a difference in my own way, for people who really need it,” says Katherine.

Chair of the Baradene board of proprietors, Gavin Rennie, says Katherine is an outstanding student and has a great career path ahead of her, following an interest in human rights.

“As our first recipient, we are thrilled to provide Katherine with a helping hand to pursue what is clearly a lifelong passion – what will be very humbling to see is the difference this will make to other lives as well as her own in years to come.”

The Erica Pabst Scholarship has been made possible through a grant from the LP Trust by an Alumna of Erskine College, Baradene’s sister school in Wellington.

Sister Pabst (1902-1997) was the first pupil of the Convent of the Sacred Heart, Auckland, now known as Baradene College. Her years in education and teaching, including her time as principal of Erskine College, earned her a well-deserved reputation for wisdom, humility, acuity, directness, and a ready wit. Before entering the Society of the Sacred Heart, Sister Pabst completed her Llb through Auckland University College.

The annual scholarship fund is open to Alumnae of Baradene College studying towards a law degree at Auckland University at stage-two level.