Twins take home top honours

Seventeen-year-old twins Charlotte and Brittany Smith took the top accolades at St Mary's Diocesan in Stratford's prizegiving on Friday.

Just about needing a wheelbarrow to take away all the awards they have won, they follow in the footsteps of their dad who was named Dux at St Kentigern's in Auckland.

When asked if they compete against each other, the sisters, this year head girl of St Mary's hostel (Charlotte) and head girl of the school (Brittany), say: "Well, we don't really like to admit there is competition", adding that they are very close.

Brittany also received an achieved mark in mathematics with statistics, chemistry and English, and diligence in biology. Charlotte also was awarded the Science Cup for the top all-round senior science student, the Stewart Family Cup (senior physics award), Jennie Petrie Challenge Mathematics Cup (best all round mathematician), Best NCEA Level 2 aggregate, and received an achieved mark in biology, physics and chemistry and diligence in English.

The twins say they had an inkling they would be clinching the two top spots, but that it was not their objective.

"We just aimed for high marks."

Brittany's favourite subjects are chemistry and biology, while Charlotte says for her it is a tie between physics and biology.

"We don't have a least favourite subject."

Brittany, who received an Otago Leaders of Tomorrow Scholarship, and Charlotte, an Otago Dux Scholarship, say their secret is "to work hard all year".

They also played a big part in organising a Relay For Life team, and were involved with Stage Challenge, St Mary's ball and the leavers' dinner.

In 10 years' time they hope to be working overseas; meanwhile, they are setting their eyes on Otago University for next year, where both will study first-year health science and stay in Arana College.

The twins, who are from New Plymouth, each also received a Gold Award, together with Rachel Haire, Tegan Sharp and Abbe Shearer. This is the most prestigious award in the school awarded to students who most embody the characteristics of a St Mary's student: respect, responsibility, perseverance, service and care as well as being successful learners, resolute women and courageous leaders.

Lauren Terril and Emma Fitzgerald received the Sports Captains Trophy and Melissa Were was Sports Woman of the Year.