The Acorn Foundation and the trustees of the FAME Trust, in conjunction with Creative Bay of Plenty, has selected the inaugural recipient of the FAME Performing Arts Scholarship for 2024.

This new award, valued at $5,000, will be given annually to a Year 13 student from the Western Bay of Plenty who plans to pursue tertiary education in the performing arts.

Michael van Lieshout, head prefect at Tauranga Boys’ College, has been named the first recipient. A gifted guitarist, Michael has already garnered multiple musical accolades throughout his young career.

“I am honoured to be the first recipient of the FAME Year 13 Performing Arts Scholarship,” Michael said. “I am super grateful, as it will help kickstart the next stage of my musical journey and career. Thank you to the Acorn Foundation, Creative Bay of Plenty, and the FAME Trust.”

Michael began playing guitar at age six, inspired by legendary American guitarist Stevie Ray Vaughan. His accomplishments include winning the title of “Most Outstanding Guitarist” at the National Youth Jazz Festival three times, as well as clinching a top prize in a New Zealand School of Music competition for improvisation.

Under the mentorship of Bay of Plenty music icon Joel Shadbolt, frontman of L.A.B., Michael has gained valuable experience performing at notable events such as the One Love Festival at Tauranga Domain, Mount Smart Stadium, and Claudelands Arena.

Earlier this year, he was also awarded a spot in the 2024 Dale Carnegie Youth Programme, which is managed by the Acorn Foundation on behalf of the Roy & Mary McGowan Fund.

Lori Luke, CEO of the Acorn Foundation, expressed enthusiasm for the scholarship and its potential impact.

“The Acorn Foundation, FAME Trust, and Creative Bay of Plenty share a passion for supporting the performing arts community and nurturing talent in the Western Bay of Plenty," Luke said.

"It is so exciting to award this scholarship to such a worthy recipient. Michael has endless potential, and we can’t wait to see what he does next.”