The Daily Post Youth in Excellence Awards

By ABIGAIL CASPARI in Rotorua
Taupo teenager Bethany Webster's ultimate goal is to start her own performing arts school.

The Year 13 student at Taupo-nui-a-Tia College receives the Daily Post Youth in Excellence Award today.

She has been involved in an array of activities at the school.

Bethany plays the saxophone, clarinet and piano, is a member of the school band and took part in the recent Stage Challenge regional heats in Rotorua.

The 17-year-old is to play one of the 12 major roles in the school's production of Fame which runs for a week in August.

Bethany is deputy convener of the school's cultural committee and is on the school's student executive.

Staff say Bethany is a pleasure to teach and she is an excellent role model for other students.

"Bethany exhibits all the qualities that Taupo-nui-a-Tia College values," said senior dean Kay Grant.

"She is a vibrant and positive young woman interested and caring towards others," said

Bethany moved to New Zealand from South Africa, joining the school in November last year and her ability to settle into a new way of life was admirable, Mrs Grant said.

Bethany wants to study a dual degree in commerce and the arts, majoring in accounting and drama with the ultimate ambition of owning a performing arts school.

She would also like to be a secondary school teacher.Rotorua Girls' High - Gloria So-Yeon Kim

Rotorua Boys' High - Paul Spurdle
John Paul College - Jono Griffith
Lakes High School - Clinton Avery
Western Heights High School - Kahurangi Maxwell
Reporoa College - Natalie Pyper

Edgecumbe College - Adele Hanright

Tauhara College - Kelly Woolacott

Taupo-Nui-a-Tia College - Lisa Lockwood

Tokoroa High School - Kimberley Muncaster
Trident High School - Brook Simpson
Whakatane High School - Jeremy Bush

Michael Simpson