Double dux delight at GGHS

Gisborne Girls’ High School twins Samara (left) and Alani McLeod were named as joint dux at the school’s senior prizegiving. Dux honours at the city’s other high schools went to Luke Stoltenberg (Boys’ High) Matthew Joblin (Campion College), and Yuna Preddey (Lytton High School. ) Picture by Liam Clayton

Gisborne city high schools have named their top academic students.

For Girls’ High the awarding of the dux honour came with a double difference, as twins Samara and Alani McLeod shared the title. Their results were so similar the school was unable to separate them and awarded them both the title.

“Being named dux was one of my proudest moments,” Samara said.

“It represented so much hard work and discipline over the past five years and receiving it alongside my sister made it even more special because she worked just as hard as  I  did.

“It hasn’t been easy but we were determined to rise above the challenges, always try our best and push each other along.”

Alani  said the teachers at Girls’ High had been really supportive.

“We both feel extremely grateful for all the guidance they have provided. They made school a place we wanted to go. Our whānau have always backed us too.

“This award is as much for these people as it is us. We are a little nervous but mostly excited about going to university next year but the experiences and tools we have gained at Girls’ High will definitely help us in this next stage of our lives.”

Boys’ High dux is Luke Stoltenberg, at Campion College it is Matthew Joblin  and Lytton High School named Yuna Preddey as their top academic student.