Principal named leading citizen

Vanessa Te Ua

Marton Junction School principal Vanessa Te Ua has been named Marton's leading community citizen by Project Marton.

The honour is presented quarterly by manager Cath Ash and is decided by community nominations.

School parent Melissa Port nominated Vanessa.

"Well, I was really nominating the whole school, because they're all so amazing," Melissa said.

When she first moved to Marton she had enrolled her 8-year-old autistic son at Marton Junction School, she said.

"He was very behind, but they were so good to him and his schoolwork improved in an amazing way. When he was 12 this year, they made him a prefect. I am so proud of him and the culture of the school. I really can't say enough.

"And Vanessa is an incredible principal."

Vanessa was presented with a basket of special home-made preserves and chutneys and a certificate.