Rising Star: Michael Fitzgerald leads the way

Michael Fitzgerald is a great leader in the school, always leading the way for other students with a positive attitude.

The 17-year-old Reporoa College Year 13 student is this week's Rising Star for his high performance and great enthusiasm.

Michael is the deputy head boy at Reporoa College and the current arts captain.

He enjoys volunteering and supports all aspects of college life.

As well as being deputy head boy, he is also a peer mediator and the student representative on the board of trustees, all of which he carries out enthusiastically.

He is an excellent role model for all the students, as he carries out his duties in a positive way and with a smile.

For this year's Stage Challenge production he was one of the student leaders, introducing the college's performance.

He has a high level of academic achievement, gaining NCEA Level 1 and 2 with merit and merit endorsement in art.

He has already gained his NCEA Level 3 this year and is working towards gaining his merit endorsement, which is at least 80 credits at merit level.

On the sporting front, he is a member of the college's 1st XV rugby team.

Michael has taken part in the college athletics, swimming and cross country championships this year as well.

In his spare time he works at Hell Pizza and during the holidays worked at Waiariki Institute of Technology in the horticultural department.

He enjoys kick boxing and for the past few years has been a volunteer in the Iron Man.

He is already booked in for the New Zealand Spirit of Adventure this summer, which he is greatly looking forward to.

Michael is still investigating his options for next year but is considering university studies in computer science, geology or art.

Reporoa College principal Kris Bhatt said the school was very proud of Michael and his achievements.

Michael is an exceptional young man, fully deserving of this Rising Stars award.