Attitude and Belief in Oneself. Introducing Sion Kim - Third Winner for 2025

Sion Kim

We were in awe when we read Sion’s story.

Incredible misfortune has befallen his family, with his solo mum permanently disabled after an accident, finding it challenging to use her left arm and leg.

Sion’s workload of schooling, part time work and helping to care for his mother is mind blowing and yet, he nurtures an undying dream to become a pilot and is very active in the aviation scene, financing his progress purely through his own efforts and awards recognising his commitments and attitude.

Sion had an epiphany watching an A380 aircraft take off eight years ago when he was just nine years old. Since that time, he has nurtured a passion for flying. When Sion was 14, he found part time work and has worked hard for the same employer since. He uses his income to help with household expenses and to be financially independent from his mother. He also manages to save enough to work towards his dream and has impressed a number of people and institutions - winning a scholarship and sponsorship to attend the Walsh Flying Camp and winning awards for his efforts and attitude.

Sion’s mum immigrated from Korea to New Zealand in the early 2000s. She was a singer and studied opera at university and taught music to children before an accident in 2008, soon after Sion was born, which damaged her left shoulder and left knee. Despite several surgeries, little improved, and she remains permanently disabled, unable to work, and struggles with severe pain and limited mobility that hinder her everyday activities. This has left her isolated from her culture and society. Due to this isolation, she speaks little English. Sion acts as interpreter for his mum. Kiwi born and bilingual, he also manages the family’s financial affairs – an enormous responsibility for someone so young.

Sion and his BUDdy - the plane he went solo in at Walsh

Sion has an older brother who now lives in Australia, so it is only Sion and his Mum with no other family support. In earlier years, his maternal grandmother was a key source of strength, supporting his mother from Korea; however, she passed away a few years ago. The only income for the family if Sion didn’t work, is an ACC payment. As such, Sion and his mum have boarders stay with them – partly as company for his Mum and partly to help pay the bills.

Sion attends Mount Albert Grammar School (MAGS). The School's Latin motto is ‘Per Angusta Ad Augusta’, which means "Through Hardship to Glory" and we feel this motto is entirely appropriate to describe Sion’s efforts both at school and in life. He is an excellent student with a 100% attendance record. This year, his efforts in nearly all subjects have been recognised with Excellence grades.

We received an unprecedented nine pages of glowing references for Sion from his community, employer and school. It was made VERY clear that Sion is a favourite of many people and extremely hardworking. An example of the references we got follows –

Sion is an exceptionally resilient, hardworking, and principled young man. Despite facing significant personal and financial challenges, he has demonstrated unwavering determination, balancing full-time studies and part-time work while supporting his family.

His maturity and sense of responsibility go far beyond those of his peers, and he approaches every obligation with diligence and integrity. Sion’s mature approach to life enables him to meet challenges head-on and to find solutions to issues with ease. He is flexible and can adapt to new situations, with interest and enthusiasm.

What stands out most about Sion is his self-discipline, perseverance, and drive. He is highly respected among his peers, friends, and teachers, always conducting himself with respect, humility, and kindness. His ability to remain focused on his goals, particularly his dream of becoming a pilot, while managing difficult hurdles and numerous responsibilities is truly admirable. Sion possesses sound leadership qualities. The empathy he displays when conversing with others and his ability to listen make him a natural role model and leader.’

We can attest, having engaged with him several times throughout this year as he underwent assessments for the Scholarship, that every word above is true. Sion is quite the find! A diamond is formed by being crushed under immense pressure for a long time. Bright and resilient, they are precious and sought after by many – and this is an analogy for Sion.

Sion with his Walsh B-Cat Instructor and Air NZ 787 FO - Grant Reidy.

While most teenagers are focused on navigating the ups and downs of high school life, Sion had to contend with the combined demands of school, study, part-time work, and home life, as well as a deep personal challenge that would test the limits of anyone. At just 16, he faced an obstacle that could have easily derailed his aspirations as a pilot. But instead of letting it define him, he used the experience as an opportunity to grow stronger. Demonstrating remarkable maturity and initiative for his age, Sion personally reached out to the CAA to seek guidance on how to actively demonstrate his improvement and strengthen his prospects of obtaining a Class 1 medical. Even though it was a daunting process, his determination and willingness to learn shone through. With perseverance and focus, he ultimately succeeded in achieving his Class 1 medical — a major milestone on his path to becoming a pilot and a testament to his resilience. It stands as proof that, no matter the challenges life throws his way, Sion will always find a way to keep moving forward.

At the Walsh Flying School Camp, Sion was awarded the Bruce Donnelly Memorial Scholarship recognising the best sponsored student at the school. He went solo significantly faster than most students on camp and his polite and cheerful demeanour turned heads at every level - from his peers to the instructors, alike.

Sion’s motivation to become a pilot is extraordinary – we believe him to be the only applicant in our history to read EVERY blog on our website! (there are more than 100 so far).

Sion was presented with his Scholarship and trophy by his sponsor, Dave Meale, at the MAGS end of year award ceremony at the end of October. He will begin with Nelson Aviation College in the new year, having been accepted for the Flight Instructor stream.

Sion sitting right where he belongs - left seat of the A320