Auckland City striker Stipe Ukich and college football player Mia Grgicevich have been awarded the inaugural Davorin Ozich Youth Scholarships for their outstanding sporting and academic achievements.
Ukich, aged 20, and Grgicevich, also 20, received scholarships of $2,500 each at a ceremony held at the Croatian Cultural Society in Te Atatu, Auckland.
Ukich, known for his contributions to Auckland City’s success in the OFC Champions League and his representation of New Zealand in the FIFA U-17 World Cup, secured the scholarship in the sporting category. On the other hand, Grgicevich, currently pursuing her academic and athletic endeavors at Rider University in New Jersey, won the academic category.
The scholarship recipients were announced during the Croatian Cultural Society’s annual Dan Državnosti (Statehood Day) event on June 8, 2024.
Expressing his gratitude, Ukich emphasized the significance of the scholarship in supporting his aspirations to pursue a professional football career abroad, acknowledging the unwavering support of the Croatian community.
Similarly, Grgicevich, recognized for her exceptional academic achievements, plans to utilize the scholarship to complete her degree in finance, reflecting on the profound impact of her Croatian heritage on her journey.
The Davorin Ozich Youth Scholarship, inaugurated in 2024, aims to honor young Croatians demonstrating talent, promise, and dedication in various fields. Named in memory of the late Davorin Ozich, the founding President of the Croatian Cultural Society of NZ, the scholarship seeks to encourage and support the youth in their endeavors.
Each year, $2,500 may be awarded in four categories: academic, sporting, entrepreneurial, and cultural. This year, the judging panel also recognized two highly commended entries, further highlighting the exceptional caliber of applicants.
Christine Ozich, panel judge and wife of the late Davorin Ozich, expressed her delight in witnessing the scholarship’s impact on supporting and empowering the Croatian youth in New Zealand, emphasizing the bright future of the Croatian culture in the country.
The Davorin Ozich Youth Scholarship serves as a testament to the Croatian Cultural Society’s commitment to nurturing and celebrating the achievements of the younger generation, fostering a sense of connection to their heritage and community.
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