A handful of Rotorua teenagers are taking on the roles of head students at their schools.
A handful of Rotorua teenagers are taking on the roles of head students at their schools.
What do Rotorua's 2018 student leaders hope to achieve, how do they feel about getting the role and what are most looking forward to?
JOHN PAUL COLLEGE
John Paul College head prefects Cullen Smith and Julia Florence.
Cullen Smith, head boy and Julia Florence, head girl
We were very excited at being selected as the head prefects for John PaulCollege, as well as feeling a little scared of not performing the role well. We are looking forward to the challenge and giving back to the school that has helped shape us. We are eager to get to know our junior students and to be role models to them in a way that reflects our school values and faith and keeps our school spirit thriving. It is an awesome opportunity to help promote JPC in the community.
I am honoured to have the privilege of being head girl here at Reporoa College for 2018.
As head girl I will aim to encourage my peers and those around me to have the courage to step out of their comfort zones, and challenge themselves. Whether that be going up on stage to claim an award or daring to enter some sort of competition. I hope as a senior leader I help inspire individuals to reach just a little bit further to achieve their goals with the utmost success. Whāia te iti kahurangi ki te tūohu koe me he maunga teitei - Aim for the highest cloud so that if you miss it, you will hit a lofty mountain.
I am enjoying my position as head boy for 2018. I am currently taking this opportunity to get to know my fellow students, set an example to others and prepare for all the challenges ahead. I applied for this position because I want to help create a positive learning environment, no pressure. My main goal for this year is to make sure every student enjoys their college experience.
ROTORUA BOYS' HIGH SCHOOL
Rotorua Boys' High School Head Prefect, Hohaia Macfarlane.
Hohaia Macfarlane, head prefect
I feel proud yet also humbled. There are so many young men at our school who were capable of doing this job. It's such an honour to represent Raukura as the head prefect.
A huge achievement for me would be to finish the year knowing that I have had a positive impact on all of the younger students. I hope to be someone they can look up to.
I'm looking forward to everything that comes with the position. Whatever tasks I'm given I will take and give 100 per cent and I'm sure I will enjoy it. I love a challenge!
Deputy Prefect and Pasifika Captain Joape Nagera.
Joape Nagera, deputy prefect and Pasifika captain
I hope to inspire our young men to set their goals high and to work hard towards them. I also hope to empower our young men and make them realise that regardless of your background and where you come from, greatness can still be achieved. The success rate of Pasifika students is important to me and I am aware of my responsibility as a Pasifika student. Furthermore, I wish to improve our success rate across sports, leadership, and academics. Most importantly, I look forward to representing my friends, school, community and my family to the best of my ability. I know that this role requires a massive responsibility, and, of course, I look forward to the challenges that will unfold throughout 2018.
Deputy Prefect and Tai Mitchell Hostel Head Prefect Manny-Patrick Crawford.
Manny-Patrick Crawford, deputy prefect, Tai Mitchell Hostel head prefect
It still doesn't feel real. I always have to double check with someone near me. At first I was stunned and blown away. I hope that I can bring a positive influence to the school and hostel. I will do this by showing how a Raukura student should be. I want to leave a huge legacy behind and just have boys like me be able to have hope they can be deputy head boy and/or head of hostel.
ROTORUA GIRLS' HIGH SCHOOL
Rotorua Girls' High School head girl Te Ririu Williams.
Te Ririu Williams, head girl
Academically, I want to endorse with excellence for my final year. I want to be a positive role model for all students, particularly the junior students by always leading by example. I feel honoured, privileged and excited to be in this role. It gives me the opportunity to give back to others and to the school. I'm looking forward to seeing the growth of everyone through the year, especially my Year 13 peers. I want to leave behind a legacy of inspirational leadership for other students to look up to.
Rotorua Girls' High School deputy head girl Te Ao Leach.
Te Ao Leach, deputy head girl
I hope to set a good, positive example for the girls at my school and I also hope to do well in my scholarship papers this year to secure a few good educational scholarships for university. I am so humbled and privileged to have received this role, however to me, leadership isn't just defined by a title or a designation, we all have the potential to be a leader. I'm really looking forward to soaking up my last year at school before I move out in to the big wide world and making the most of all the opportunities that come my way this year.
Alice Croucher, head girl at Western Heights High School.
Alice Croucher, head girl
During my time in this role I'm hoping to focus on developing the aspects of the school that keep the students excelling, one of these being our strong co-curricular teams that represent the school successfully at all levels. I am honoured to be given this role, as throughout my years at Heights I have experienced the incredible support from students and teachers alike and I'm very excited to give back to the school that has challenged me and supported my growth as a learner and a person.
Jason Lee, head boy at Western Heights High School.
Jason Lee, head boy
I aspire to lead by example and guide fellow students to become an actively involved member of the Heights whanau. I would like to act as a positive role model, inspiring others to give everything their best shot and strive for excellence in all facets of school life. I am incredibly humbled to be given this role and see it as an excellent opportunity to serve and give back to the school that has supported me immensely.
