Preparation and hard work key to success for Te Awamutu College teen

Adriana Vasinca capped an amazing five years at Te Awamutu College by being named Dux Litterarum.

Given the accolades and awards Te Awamutu College head girl Adriana Vasinca received during Friday's Senior Prizegiving function, it was no surprise she was awarded the Year 13 General Excellence Cup for academic, sports, culture, participation and Service to the School.

She then capped an amazing five years at Te Awamutu College by being named Dux Litterarum, winning the AG Freeman Medal.

Adriana was first in Drama, receiving the Waikato Graduate Women's Charitable Trust Award, first in English, receiving the Cath Parr Cup and first in Art Painting.

Rock of Ages romantic leads Adriana Vasinca (Sherrie) and Lachlan Oosterman (Drew) in The Bourbon Room.

Adriana is heading to Wellington to start her Bachelor of Science degree in 2019, with a double major in Psychology and Theatre. She is aiming for a career either as a stage performer or clinical psychologist — or both.

Adriana says she has had a passion for stage since she was young, performing in school plays at Pukeatua Primary School and then at high school as part of Stage Challenge, the Sheilah Winn Shakespeare Competition, in the cast of the school's production of Grease and then as a lead in this year's production Rock of Ages.

Adriana was also a model for a senior student's thought-provoking photography board.

She says she has enjoyed everything Te Awamutu College has to offer.

"The school has a brilliant atmosphere," she says.

Adriana is looking forward to the next stage of her life, but says it isn't quite real that she has finished high school yet.

She is still working to do the best at her end of year exams, which started this week.

Adriana says being named Dux was a combination of ability, preparation and hard work.

"It isn't easy. There are a lot of talented kids at Te Awamutu College."

Principal Tony Membery summed up Adriana's contribution to Te Awamutu College thanking her for all she had given to the school.

"Adriana is seen as gifted and talented, but also enthusiastic, resourceful, hardworking, dedicated and kind. Not bad attributes to have."

Victoria University recognised her attributes, awarding her its Tangiwai Scholarship for Excellence, valued at $5000.

As well as general Excellence and Dux awards, Adriana was presented with the RSA Peace Scholarship for girls for contribution, service and leadership.

Mr Membery said Adriana had proven to be a fine head student, wearing her uniform with pride and was a great role model to her peers and an ambassador for the College.

On top of her theatrical and academic aspirations, Adriana helped plan for and run assemblies, spoke eloquently at Anzac Day services, was co-presenter at the Waipā District Youth Awards, co-judged the Year 8 Speech Finals at Te Awamutu Intermediate and was a guest speaker at Te Awamutu Rotary Club.

Adriana and the other head students put a lot of time and effort into planning the school's participation in the 2018 Battle of Waipā Sports and Cultural Tournament and designed the 2018 Leavers' Garment.

She was a dedicated member of the Ball, Year 13 Camp and Health Committees and a member of the Senior Girls Volleyball team.

Not bad at all.