When 15-year-old Sophie Hampson made the finals of the national Shakespeare competition, her mum Danielle was very proud – but there was also a problem.
“It was a $475 bill and only 10 days to pay it.”
However, she found out about Summit Real Estate’s Strive to Thrive scholarship, which gives $500 to young Nelsonians with a dream.
Danielle knew that the arts were Sophie’s life and wanted to give her the opportunity to compete in Wellington.
“I thought she definitely does enough to warrant it.”
So did the Summit team, who saw her application and wanted to support someone who wasn’t just a sports team.
“We thought it was about time we look at other people, not just sports, which is what Strive to Thrive is all about,” says Summit’s general manager Stewart Henry.
Sophie, a student at Nayland College, says she has always been drama mad and when her group came out on top at the Sheilah Winn Shakespeare competition it was an amazing experience. It’s one she wants to continue with her acting.
“I feel like the friends you make out of it are great and the experience of being on stage can be nerve wracking, but it just heightens all your emotions.”
Now she will go to Wellington for an opportunity to be selected to perform at the Globe Theatre in London.
