Awards cap years of work

Seven Wanganui High School students have been presented with their Gold Duke of Edinburgh's Hillary Awards by Governor-General Sir Jerry Mateparae.

Four of the students had already left High School and were now studying at university.

The three still at school said yesterday their recent morning at Government House with the Governor-General had been a special occasion.

Aysha Collinson said it was such a momentous day for them, especially as the Governor-General had attended Wanganui High School.

"I presented him with an Honorary Excellence tie from Wanganui High School, which he said he really liked."

All seven students had worked hard over the four years, earning their Bronze Award in Year 10, their Silver Award in Year 11 and then their Gold Award during Years 12 and 13.

The Edinburgh Award involves service to the community, learning new skills, taking part in physical recreation, going on a four-day expedition, and a five-day residential project.

School awards co-ordinator Claire O'Connor said the students had all learned valuable life skills

"They have shown perseverance, motivation, responsibility to themselves and others, and leadership skills. They can be very proud of their achievements."

For her physical recreation, Aysha, 17, said she had canoed down Whanganui River, her four-day expedition was going on a conservation trip to Mana Island and she worked with youth on her five-day residential project.

Alexander Stuteley, 17, said he had played representative rugby, tutored within the school and worked as stage crew on a big production.

Matthew Hardcastle, 18, worked in costume hireage for Amdram, played for the Wanganui tennis team and his skill was singing.