Whangarei Boys' High School win award for Stage Challenge concept

Whangarei Boys' High School's Alzheimer's themed performance won a Ministry of Education award for concept. Photo/Supplied

Whangarei Boys' High School students have won a top award for their Stage Challenge concept after winning the Northland regional competition.

The school's performance, which explores the impact Alzheimer's disease has on its victims and their families, won them top spot at the Whangarei heat of Stage Challenge in June.

The school has now been awarded the Ministry of Education National Award of Excellence for Concept after a video of the school's performance was entered in the national pool.

The concept was developed by director and Year 13 student Rio Tuson's experience losing loved ones to Alzheimer's.

The boys' school was also praised by Lisa Thompson after they lifted her son Max Thompson-Bailey, who has cerebral palsy, and his 100kg motorised wheelchair on to the stage at the June competition at Forum North when there was no wheelchair access.

Wheelchair access to the stage will now automatically be provided when anyone books the auditorium for a function at Forum North.