Glendowie student Brenna Cukier wins journalism scholarship in America

A Glendowie student’s success and passion for journalism has landed her a scholarship to study in America.

At 18, Brenna Cukier from St Heliers has an impressive list of achievements. Adding to it is winning a scholarship to study a bachelor’s degree, majoring in journalism, at the University of North Carolina (UNC) at Chapel Hill.

Cukier was one of two NZ students granted $100,000 per year to study at either UNC Chapel Hill or Duke University. In mid May, she will leave her family to study for four years.

“The really unique thing about the scholarship is that it provides funding for three summers of travel and research opportunities,” she said.

Brenna attended Glendowie College and graduated at the end of last year.

She expressed her passion for journalism in year 11, when she established her school’s newspaper and was editor-in-chief of 30 student writers.

The newspaper, Glendowie Grapevine, was published four times a year, and is still thriving.

“I was always interested in journalism and my school was really encouraging with the newspaper,” she said.

“I have a real passion for writing; it is such a powerful, ever changing industry.”

Brenna was a popular student; she was head girl last year, president of the student council and representative of the board of trustees. She was also the school’s representative for the Auckland City Youth Council.

She excelled academically with gaining excellence in levels 1-3 in NCEA, received an outstanding scholarship in English, and an award for ‘outstanding character and sense of values’.

Brenna was born in Arizona and her mother also studied at UNC. However, she has an open mind about her career path.

“I am New Zealand citizen and that is really important to me, I think having those experiences in America will be great to bring back here,” she said.

“I want to combine my passion for journalism with my leadership skills to make a difference in the media industry.”

The scholarships were funded by New York philanthropist, Julian Robertson.

Matt Huntington, strategic communications manager for Universities New Zealand, said 29 people applied for the Robertson Scholarship.

Up to three scholarships are offered annually in New Zealand, you can read more about them here: http://robertsonscholars.org/