Two Dedicated Team Members Awarded the Graeme Rabbits Scholarship
Two deserving individuals are one step closer to achieving their career aspirations in behavioural neuroscience and social work, thanks to receiving $10,000 each toward their tertiary education.
The Graeme Rabbits Scholarship, established by Ryman Healthcare in memory of Graeme Rabbits, offers a unique opportunity each year for two team members to receive NZD $10,000 to support their educational pursuits.
The recipients are selected annually by Graeme’s parents, Selwyn and Viv, who choose individuals who embody the values important to their son—support, sustainability, innovative thinking, kindness, and care.
One of the recipients, Hannah Cantrick, has been with Diana Isaac Village for six years, starting as a volunteer at the age of 12 and later working as a kitchen assistant and village host. This year, she will begin studying psychology and biology at the University of Canterbury in pursuit of a career as a behavioural neuroscientist.
Hannah is thrilled to receive the scholarship, stating, “Long-term, I want to specialise in researching psychiatric and neurological conditions and how they can impact behavior or personality. I hope to study illnesses like depression, schizophrenia, drug abuse, Parkinson’s, Huntington’s, and Alzheimer’s Disease.”
Her mother, Jo, an Activity and Lifestyle Coordinator at Diana Isaac Village, encouraged her to apply for the scholarship. “Hannah is caring and kind and always puts others first. We’re incredibly proud of her, and she worked hard on her application,” Jo says.
This scholarship is a significant step in helping these dedicated individuals pursue their dreams while also honoring the memory and values of Graeme Rabbits.
Village Manager Steve Wakeman expressed his pride in Hannah’s achievement, saying, “It’s so well deserved, and we are incredibly proud of her.”
Dhan Gharti Magar Budha, the Activity and Lifestyle Coordinator at Princess Alexandra Village, is the second recipient of the Graeme Rabbits Scholarship. Dhan, originally from Nepal, has just begun her online studies at Massey University toward a Master’s in Social Work. Despite the demands of her studies, she remains dedicated to engaging the 60 residents in the Duchess Hospital unit, creating meaningful activities and exercises during the day, while studying in the evenings.
Before joining Princess Alexandra Village, Dhan worked as a teacher and supported children and adults with intellectual disabilities at Hohepa Hawke’s Bay. Now, her goal is to become a social worker.
“I’m passionate about becoming a social worker and advocating for vulnerable people in our communities,” Dhan shares. “I’m especially excited to work with both children and senior citizens, who I believe are the most vulnerable members of society. I want to be their voice, ensuring their rights and safety are protected.”
Princess Alexandra Village Manager Clare Bower praised Dhan as a “truly deserving” recipient of the scholarship, highlighting her “positive energy, empathy, and dedication” as qualities that make her stand out.
“Dhan has an exceptional ability to connect with each resident on a personal level, customizing activities to meet their unique needs and preferences. Her compassion, creativity, and resourcefulness bring joy, comfort, and a sense of purpose to those she cares for, even during difficult times,” Clare says. Clare was also the one to deliver the exciting news to Dhan, surprising her with the scholarship.
Dhan expressed deep gratitude toward Selwyn and Viv for selecting her as a recipient. “I will always be thankful to Graeme’s family for choosing me for this scholarship. Their generosity has brought me one step closer to my goals,” she says. “I would love to meet them someday and share how their support has helped me on my journey.”
Graeme’s parents shared that selecting the scholarship recipients was a difficult task due to the high quality of the applicants, but both Hannah and Dhan stood out.
“Hannah impressed us as a young person full of life, with clear goals, and someone who genuinely cares for others—traits that remind us so much of Graeme,” they explained.
“Likewise, Dhan has clearly put in the effort to develop her knowledge and skills to better assist others. Caring for and protecting the vulnerable in our communities is vital, and Dhan’s compassion, leadership, and initiatives are making a meaningful difference.”
They continued, “It’s incredibly special to us that the scholarship offers an opportunity for remarkable individuals like Hannah and Dhan to be recognized for their hard work and commitment to looking out for the well-being of others.”
