A new major prize was awarded for the first time at the Tauranga Boys' College prize giving on Tuesday night, with student Jimi Kameta receiving a $10,000 scholarship through the Acorn Foundation.

The Acorn Foundation Cashmore Family two-year scholarship will support Jimi's plans to study Biomedical Science next year at university.

He hopes to then go on to become a doctor and one day provide free medical treatment to those who cannot afford it.

Acorn Foundation Operations Manager Margot McCool says it's just one of the many scholarships awarded this year through the foundation.

'The beauty of Acorn is that we work with our donors to match their personal interests with deserving young people in the community. It's a real win-win because our donors get a huge amount of pleasure from knowing they are contributing to what is often a life-changing opportunity for these talented young people.”

Of the $854,000 Acorn has distributed to the local community this year, $84,450 was in the form of scholarships, benefiting 62 local students. The Acorn Foundation model ensures that the capital donated is invested and preserved, with only the investment income being used to provide grants and scholarships, so this support will only continue to grow into the future.

Along with their award, Richard and Andrea Cashmore presented Jimi with a personally signed copy of Dr Lance O'Sullivan's book The Good Doctor – a very appropriate gift given Jimi's aspirations.

To find out more about Acorn Foundation, visit www.acornfoundation.org.nz