Two worthy winners can get closer to achieving their career goals as a behavioural neuroscientist and social worker after being awarded $10,000 each towards their chosen tertiary course.

The Graeme Rabbits Scholarship, sponsored by Ryman Healthcare in memory of Graeme Rabbits, offers an incredible opportunity for two team members each year to receive $10,000 NZD each towards their tertiary education fees.  

Each year, Graeme's parents Selwyn and Viv personally select the recipients, choosing those who embody the values that were important to their son—support, sustainability, innovative thinking, kindness, and care.

Hannah Cantrick started working at Diana Isaac Village six years ago, when she was 12, first as a volunteer, then later returning as a kitchen assistant. She now does that and the village host role.

She will be studying psychology and biology at the University of Canterbury later this year in her bid to become a behavioural neuroscientist and is delighted to be awarded the scholarship.

“Long-term, I want to specialise in research for different psychiatric and neurological conditions and how they can affect the behaviour or personality of a person,” Hannah says.

“Illnesses and diseases which I hope to one day study include depression, schizophrenia, drug abuse, Parkinson’s, Huntingdon’s, and Alzheimer’s Disease.”

It was her proud mum Jo, an Activity and Lifestyle Coordinator also at Diana Isaac Village, who encouraged her to apply for the scholarship.

“Hannah is caring and kind and always thinks of others. We are super proud, she put a lot of work into the application,” says Jo.

Hannah with her Mum Jo.

Village Manager Steve Wakeman congratulated Hannah: “It’s so well deserved, and we are so proud of her.”

Princess Alexandra Village’s Activity and Lifestyle Coordinator Dhan Gharti Magar Budha has just started her online studies with Massey University for a Master’s in Social Work.

Dhan, originally from Nepal, will continue to engage the 60 residents she has grown attached to in the Duchess Hospital unit with interesting activities and exercises during the day while she studies in the evenings.

The former teacher, who previously worked with intellectually disabled children and adults at Hohepa Hawke’s Bay, is now striving to be a social worker.

“I’m passionate about becoming a social worker and advocating for the vulnerable people in our communities,” she says.

“I am looking forward to working alongside both children and senior citizens who I believe are the most vulnerable people in our society. I want to be the voice for their rights and safety.”

Princess Alexandra Village Manager Clare Bower described Dhan as a ‘truly deserving’ candidate for the scholarship whose ‘positive energy, empathy and dedication make her a stand out team member and a worthy recipient’.

“Dhan presents an ability to connect with each resident on a personal level, tailoring activities to suit their individual needs and preferences. Her compassion, creativity and resourcefulness bring joy, comfort and a sense of purpose to those under her care even in the most challenging circumstances,” adds Clare, who surprised Dhan with the news she had won.

Dhan says she is eternally grateful to Selwyn and Viv for choosing her.

“I will always be grateful to Graeme’s family for choosing me as a worthy candidate for this scholarship.

“I would love to meet them one day, and share how their generosity has helped me to get one step closer to my goals.” 

Dhan with Hospital Unit Coordinator Raj Kumar, Village Manager Clare Bower and Clinical Manager Lin Tan

Graeme’s parents said the selection process had been challenging due to the high calibre of the applicants, but Hannah and Dhan had impressed them.

“Hannah stood out as a young person, full of life, with clear goals and as someone who cares for others, very much like Graeme,” they said.

“Similarly, Dhan has obviously worked hard to develop her knowledge and skills so that she can better help others. Looking out and caring for the vulnerable in our communities is so important and, through her caring nature, initiatives and leadership, Dhan is making a valuable contribution.”

They added: “It is very special to us that the scholarship provides an opportunity for special people, such as Hannah and Dhan, to be rewarded for their hard work and commitment to looking out for the welfare of others.”