Local pupils leading the way for other students

Head prefects Callum Hoare and Ellie McManaway from Aquinas College. Photo/Andrew Warner

Special series: We profile the Bay's 2015 school leaders

Ellie McManaway, 17

Ellie McManaway plans to become a vet when she leaves school.

She chose this career path because she has always loved animals and also wants a job where she can help people.

"I wanted to help people in a way where I don't have to become a doctor so I decided to become a vet."

She hopes to earn a place at Massey University in Palmerston North next year.

Ellie has been at Aquinas all of her high school years and went to St Mary's Catholic School as a child.

She is the second child in a family of six.

"I was born in Japan and lived in England for a while."

Ellie is also a talented sportswoman.

"I'm really into sport. I play netball, basketball, volleyball and a bit of sevens rugby. I also really love public speaking."

Being a head prefect give Ellie the chance to interact with the younger students at her school.

"The start of the term as head prefect hasn't been too stressful, it's been a lot of fun. This role is an excuse to talk to the younger students, which is cool. It's getting to know the students better at Aquinas. Lots of organisational skills are needed."

Ellie said her goal in life is to help as many people as possible.

Callum Hoare, 17

Callum Hoare is still deciding between studying engineering or health science when he leaves school.

"Engineering because I'm right into my maths and science so that ties in nicely. Health science because my mum works at Grace Hospital and I've had a lot to do with the surgeons there and it's apparently a rewarding job."

Callum was born in England and moved to Tauranga when he was 6. He attended St Mary's Catholic School before coming to Aquinas.

Since he started school, Callum said he has always had an interest in maths and science.

His favourites are "probably" physics and chemistry, and he likes calculus as well.

"I'm right into sports as well. I play rugby, basketball and mountain biking which is all going pretty well."

The thing Callum has enjoyed most about being a head prefect is meeting other head prefects at other schools in the region.

"We've had quite a few functions together. Last week we went along to a council meeting and talked about issues facing students."

Callum also enjoyed being able to be a mentor to the younger students at school.
"They come up to us and say 'hello', which is pretty cool."

Callum's goal in life is to do lots of travelling, especially to places where he can act on his love of extreme sports.