Young Achievers' Awards 2011

Twenty-five inspirational young people have had their successes recognised at the Young Achievers’ Awards 2011.

Organised by NPDC’s Youth Subcommittee, the awards recognise 12 to 20 year olds in the district who are outstanding among their peers.

“We have thousands of talented and hard-working young people in our district, and I’m proud that we can put the spotlight on 25 exceptional young people and say ‘well done’ for what they have achieved,” says Mayor Harry Duynhoven.

“It is humbling to read through their varied achievements in the arts, sports, employment, community development and more. Each and every one of them has followed their passions and has worked very hard to reach their goals.

“They’re great role models not only for their peers, but for people of all ages in the district.”

The recipients of the Young Achievers’ Awards 2011 are:

Arts Award

Winner: Jessica Old (Spotswood College)
Jessica has dedicated her entire life to the performing arts. She has excelled in a number of arts fields including music, visual arts and combined performing, with drama being her forte. In 2010 Jessica directed and performed a piece in the national Sheliah Winn Shakespeare competition, with her piece winning the competition. She was then selected to go to the National Shakespeare in Schools Production in Dunedin which led to her selection to travel to London to join the Young Shakespeare Company performing at the Globe Theatre. There she trained under expert directors and actors from around the world. As a result of this experience she was offered a Globe Internship, a placement which is offered to only one female and one male every five years. In the years to come she plans to set up her own drama company for people of all ages and abilities. In conjunction with performing and directing many local productions in New Plymouth, her dedication to the arts is an inspiration to her peers at Spotswood College and the wider arts community.

Highly Commended: Brad Carter (New Plymouth)
Brad is a confident and personality-plus young man with a passion for acting, song and dance. In September he was invited to join the choir to sing the national anthems of Ireland and USA at the opening ceremony of the Rugby World Cup 2001 game in New Plymouth, and just last month he competed in Invercargill against 63 dancers from around New Zealand to win the ILT National Young Performer Modern Dancer of the Year. His ultimate dream is to be a ‘Kiwi on an international stage’, with hopes of West End or Broadway.

Highly Commended: Graydon Sullivan (Bell Block)
Graydon is a 14-year-old with a passion for science, invention, art and photography. His favourite form of artistic expression is to create solargraphs, which use the sun, a tin, a tiny light hole, black and white photographic paper and a little bit of magic to create photographic art. He began exploring pinhole photography at age 11 and by age 13 he had his own two-month-long solo exhibition of Taranaki landmark images at Puke Ariki, captured in a way that could never been seen by the naked eye. Graydon’s solargraphs were the first in the Southern Hemisphere to be accepted by the University of Art and Design in Helsinki, Finland as part of a worldwide attempt to graph the sun’s path as an art form. He hopes to produce his own book of New Zealand solargraphs in the future.

Female Sports Achievement Award

Winner: Briana Latavoa (Devon Intermediate)
Briana is an outstanding young woman who is well respected and excels in many sporting codes. She is a Taranaki Year 8 netball representative and is in the Taranaki U15 and U19 girl’s representative cricket teams. Briana was named the most valuable player at the U19 representative cricket tournament and is a member of the Central Districts elite training squad. She is in the New Plymouth U15 girl’s representative basketball team and a member of the New Zealand U15 development squad. Briana is only 12 years old and is a role model as the Head Girl at Devon Intermediate.

Highly Commended: Anna Hinton (Spotswood College)
Anna is a self-motivated young woman with a drive to succeed in her major sporting passion of equestrian. She was the top U17 rider in Taranaki and a member of the Taranaki team. She won two New Zealand championships in 2011, and at the New Zealand Horse of the Year event was selected by the Taranaki team as the rider to ‘jump off’ against the opposing team they were tied with to win the competition. She proceeded to calmly win the jump-off, securing success for the entire team. Anna has also represented Spotswood College in basketball, volleyball, table tennis and football, and is also a member of the Moturoa Women’s Football Team which placed first in the Taranaki Women’s League in 2011.

Highly Commended: Hanna Sturmer (New Plymouth Girls’ High School)
Hannah is a Year 12 student at NPBHS. Throughout her time at school she has been a dedicated sportswoman, competing confidently in a range of events. 2011 has seen her compete in the Red Stag Forest Relay in Rotorua where her team was placed first, running a record time. She has represented her school in numerous Taranaki Secondary Schools Sports Association (TSSSA) and New Zealand Secondary Schools track and field events. In the New Zealand Secondary Schools cross country she placed first in the six-person team event. She was first in the senior girls’ 3000m TSSSA track and field, and was part of the winning combined New Plymouth Girls’/New Plymouth Boys’ high schools’ team for the Hillary Challenge. Hannah has a competitive spirit and always gives her absolute best.

Youth Development Award

Winner: Chris Miller (New Plymouth Boys’ High School)
Chris has been a member of the New Plymouth YMCA’s Raise Up and Represent Youth Group for the previous two years. He volunteers his time to meet weekly, out of school hours, to plan alcohol-free and drug-free events for youth of the region. His leadership skills have seen him take on many different roles with the group which have contributed to a number of very successful initiatives, including an annual climbathon to raise money for CanTeen (this year raising $1,100 and involving 60 youths), and a dodge ball tournament that engaged more than 100 young people for a four-week period. This event was so successful that it gained a national YMCA award. Chris is committed to helping develop, design and deliver positive youth events for young Taranaki people.

Community Service Award

Winner: The E Tu! Stand Up Against Abuse Youth Team (Waitara High School)
This is a group of six Year 11 students from Waitara High School. Collectively they have volunteered hundreds of hours of their time because they want to make a difference and help people in their community. The team has been involved with a project run in the Waitara community to ‘stand up against abuse’. This project was established to help raise awareness about sexual abuse, support children and young people on how to keep safe, and promote where to go to get help. A youth development approach to planning and delivery underpins the project and all six students were selected for their natural leadership qualities. In the last 18 months this team has accomplished many initiatives for families in their community, including developing a brand and marketing to convey key sexual violence prevention messages, attracting a major celebrity to be their ambassador (singer Stan Walker), and gaining support from key community leaders including His Worship the Mayor Hon. Harry Duynhoven and Councillor Howie Tamati. They co-organised the project launch that attracted more than 1,000 people from babies to grandparents, co-organised a Family Fun Day which attracted hundreds more, developed a resource for young men to help prevent sexual violence, developed an age-appropriate resource for all schools, and given many presentations to key groups to raise awareness. This youth team has provided the community with an opportunity talk about a difficult topic in a safe way. The health and well-being of children and young people are what they pride themselves on.

Highly Commended: Emily Devaney (NPGHS)
Emily is a Year 12 accelerate student at NPGHS. She has shown outstanding initiative and commitment toward both her class work and co-curricular activities by participating in the 40-Hour Famine committee, Amnesty International and the Students Against Driving Drunk group. Her involvement has included coordination of fundraising for these groups as well as organising campaigns both in school and in the community to educate and raise awareness. She volunteers her time to Variety, an organisation that works with disabled and disadvantaged children. Emily recently attended the Regeneration National Jam conference which tackled local and global environmental issues, and has been instrumental in establishing Regeneration Taranaki.

Highly Commended: Nick Hopkins (Francis Douglas Memorial College)
Nick has volunteered hundreds of hours of this time and expertise to the No Limits Taranaki New Zealand Red Cross programme, which is designed to offer a mix of outdoor activities and education modules to young people aged between nine and 13 years to help build confidence and provide positive intergenerational experiences. He provided leadership in the areas of film editing and production, and website and logo design, to produce a DVD for youth involved in the programme to have a permanent record of their achievements on No Limits. Leaving Taranaki to study law at university in 2012, Nick has worked hard with the Red Cross No Limits team to create a succession plan so this work may continue and allow other young people the same opportunity.

Male Sports Achievement Award

Winner: Ryan Dingle (Spotswood College)
Ryan is a very self-motivated young man with huge perseverance and drive to succeed in his chosen sport of triathlon. This year he placed first in the Taranaki Triathlon Club Sprint championship, first in the Taranaki Secondary Schools Association Duathlon, first in the North Island Sprint Duathlon, fifth in the New Zealand 16-19 Age Group Triathlon Championship, and was selected for the second time to represent New Zealand at the ITU World Triathlon Championships in China (where he placed twelfth despite a recent broken collar bone injury – six places better than he achieved in Hungary in 2010. Ryan is committed to his own discipline but also understands the importance of coaching success in others – he assists and coaches a group of primary school students to compete in the Weetbix triathlon this year.

Highly Commended: Mitchell Brown (NPBHS)
Mitchell is a member of the 2011 New Zealand Secondary Rugby team, picked as one of the best 24 players from all secondary school players. He was selected for the Hurricanes Secondary Schools team and was part of the Hurricanes schools’ coaching clinic. He was part of the invitation XV which played a match in January against the Russian Rugby World Cup team, and represents Taranaki in the U18 and U20 teams. Mitchell is also a member of the NPBHS first XV.

Highly Commended: Matt Baxter (NPBHS)
Matt placed seventh in the 3000m final at the Youth Commonwealth Games in the Isle of Man and was selected to represent New Zealand at the Australian U20 and Secondary Schools cross country events. Nationally he placed second in the senior boys’ National Secondary Schools cross country and first in the 16 and under national 3000m athletics competition. Within Taranaki he placed first in the senior boys’ Super 8 Cross Country, the senior boys Taranaki secondary schools’ cross country and the senior boys’ secondary schools’ 1500m event. Matt is the NPBHS senior cross country and senior 1500m champ with record times. He is an inspiration to his peers.

Cultural Development Award

Winner: Manukorihi Intermediate Kapa Haka (Waitara)
The group has a commitment to cultural development on an individual, whanau, school and community level. Its members have been involved in numerous events throughout Taranaki, promoting culture and te reo Maori. They have met and welcomed the Prime Minister John Key, they annually represent tangata whenua at the Taranaki Multi-ethnic Festival, they perform for kindergartens (teaching the children basic kapa haka) and regularly perform at rest homes for the elderly. This work promotes indigenous culture and their school. They help the district welcome WOMAD artists and recently welcomed the Irish Rugby World Cup rugby team to Taranaki. The group placed first in the Taranaki regional kapa haka competition in August, earning them the right to compete at a national competition in Whangarei in November. They can practice only for one hour per week during school hours, with the rest of the practice time necessary to perfect performance given in the weekends and evenings. Their school is extremely proud of this group.

Employee/Trainee of the Year Award

Winner: Bethany Woods (New Plymouth)
At the age of 15 Bethany was offered an after school job at Headquarters Hair by Design. Six months later she was offered a full-time position by the owner Lyndsay Loveridge, which created a dilemma for her family. Deciding to leave school before completing her fourth year has proven the right choice for this young woman. She completed her training in two years rather than the standard three years, she came second in the Taranaki Apprentice Hairdressing Competition in 2011, and won the 2010 Taranaki Apprentice Styling which saw her compete in the New Zealand championships in Christchurch – making her one of New Zealand top 14 apprentices for this event. This year Bethany won the Apprentice Directional Hair Cutting and made it to the finals of a New Zealand-wide hairdressing photographic competition where she competed against seniors, placing second in Taranaki. She has an absolute love and passion for the career she has chosen.

Highly Commended: Kurt Vickery (Waitara)
After many years struggling within the mainstream education system, Kurt registered to study by correspondence. He did gateway studies with the correspondence school and achieved his motor industry foundation skills level one, receiving an award for outstanding effort and achievement. He was the first student in New Zealand to achieve the National Certificate in Motor Industry through the gateway programme. Leaving school at 16, Kurt began an apprenticeship with Hydraulink Taranaki. Despite the long hours of work and study required for his apprenticeship, he was determined to continue with his education and study to gain his NCEA levels one and two via correspondence, which he achieved, and will achieve his level three later this year. He is half-way through his Automotive Heavy Engineering level four apprenticeship. He has huge commitment and dedication to both his studies and his employer. He is proud to have developed from a student who struggled in school to one who is now high achieving in his chosen field.

Super Student Award

Winner: Courtney Muggeridge (NPGHS)
Courtney is recognised as a high achiever at NPBHS. She is currently in Year 12 and since Year 9 has continuously been an academic success. As well as being engaged academically, she contributes to many extra-curricular activities. She has been awarded four honours to date and this year she received a leadership honours award due to her selection for the New Zealand United Nations delegation to attend The Hague International Model United Nations later this year. Courtney was the top Year 11 student in 2010, the top in NCEA level one in 2009, and the top Year 10 student in 2009. She achieved excellence in NCEA levels one and two ahead of her year levels, and has been awarded with top scholar awards from 2008 to 2010. She gives 100 per cent to all her studies in conjunction with contributing to a range of other ventures, including the national Model United Nations conference, the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting, New Zealand business week, Students Against Driving Drunk, Amnesty International committee, 40-Hour Famine and the Relay for Life. She has passion to be a high achiever with any endeavour she undertakes.

Highly Commended: Emma Crowe (Sacred Heart Girls’ College)
Emma was a recipient of the Year 10 High Academic Award and achieved NCEA, endorsed with excellence, for both levels one and two. She has high goals of academic attainment with a healthy mix of sports and performing arts, ensuring a good balance of enjoyment and commitment. She was one of the choreographers in SHGC’s winning Stage Challenge performance last year, and a member of the college’s senior choir The Tenners for three years – culminating in their representation at the national Big Sing competition in 2010. Emma is the head girl at SHGC, and her leadership skills are celebrated by her peers and teaching staff.

Highly Commended: Regan Clarke (Spotswood College)
Regan is committed to striving for excellence in his academic learning. As a Year 10 student at Spotswood College he completed both NCEA level one mathematics and chemistry, achieving all standards available in these subjects, and earning excellence grades for four external examinations. He continued to work ahead of his year, demonstrating high ability and work ethic across all curricular areas. This year Regan took on the challenge of a university paper, studying Linear Mathematics – stage one. He showed great determination by studying on his own, and was rewarded for his efforts with an A+ grade. He is also a talented musician and a role model to his peers.

Music Award

Winner: Lauren Nottingham (SHGC)
Lauren cried when she found out she had been selected for the New Zealand Secondary Schools’ Choir, being one of only 54 students chosen from 265 national applicants. She was the only singer from New Plymouth District to be selected and credits the SHGC group The Tenners as the eye-opener and cementer of her love for choral music. Along with being a member of The Tenners, in 2008 Lauren put her musical talent to further use and joined the college jazz band. In 2010 her dedication was recognised and she was awarded the Kusalic Cup for Outstanding Contribution to Music at the school. This year she was awarded the best vocalist award at the New Zealand School of Music Jazz Festival and with her band, Me Llamo Esteban, they won the Most Outstanding Combo at the same festival. Lauren hopes to attend the New Zealand School of Music in Wellington next year and wants to pursue a professional singing career.

Highly Commended: Kale Simpson (Waitara High School)
Twelve months ago Kale had never performed publicly. For the first time last year, during music class at Waitara High School, he sang and amazed his peers and teacher with his singing voice. He has since gone on to perform live at Carols by Candlelight and entered the 2011 Taranaki Star competition, gaining third place among 50 contestants. Kale entered the Hitachi jingle competition, staying in the top 10 of 80 competitors. He has composed songs for the band he helped form and they competed in the Smokefree Pacifica Beats, the first band from Taranaki to ever enter this national competition, with the band placing fifth out of 28. He has since performed many times for the community, including at Manukorihi Intermediate to help inspire other young people.

Highly Commended: Matthew Lamb (NPBHS)
Matthew has achieved outstanding success this year as a young trombonist. He plays first trombone for New Plymouth Brass and is a member of the NPBHS Jazz Band, Concert Band and Barbershop Quartet. This year he gained second place in the junior trombone event at the National Brass Band Championships and has been selected as a member of the National Secondary Schools’ Brass Band. Matthew has won the Port Nicholson Brass Award for Outstanding Brass Player for the last two years at NPBHS. He also helps tutor and mentor young musicians at his school.

Mayor's Choice Awards

Winner: Amin Osama (Spotswood College)
Amin has great determination to achieve his goals both in and out of the classroom. He is well respected by his peers and teaching staff alike at Spotswood College. In the last five years he has represented his college in 12 sports and more recently has was selected in the New Zealand U19 team to compete at the World Triathlon Championships in China, where he placed ninth. He also placed fourth in the ITU World U19 Aquathlon Championships. He has been selected for the New Zealand team to attend the upcoming World Triathlon Championships and the World Aquathlon in Beijing. Amin has exceptional time management skills that enable his gruelling training schedules while effectively carrying out his role and responsibilities as the head boy of Spotswood College.

Winner: Tamsin Moala (Waitara High School)
Tamsin is a gifted and talented sportswoman who has shown the ability to achieve at the highest level for her age grouping. She was selected for the New Zealand Secondary Schools’ netball team for her wide array of skills and is always looking to improve and develop as a netballer. She has represented Waitara High School for the previous three years, and has been pivotal in propelling the team into the Taranaki premier one division. Tamsin has represented Taranaki in the U15 and U19 teams, the Western Districts U21 and Lois Muir Cup teams, and is a member of the Netball New Zealand’s talent development programme and the New Zealand Academy of Sport Development programme.

Winner: Sophie Collier (SHGC)
Sophie is a brilliant young artist and fashion designer. In 2009 she won the Director’s Choice Award at the Taranaki Fashion Arts Awards and in 2010 she won the Student Recycled section at the same awards. The photograph of her winning piece was showcased in both the Taranaki Daily News and Lighting Direct, and was modelled and displayed at the Percy Thompson Gallery. She achieved excellence in visual arts at SHGC and has been commissioned to undertake a building mural in Urenui. In 2012 Sophie will begin studies toward a degree in Fashion Design and Business Management. Her future aspirations are to work in costume design and have her own business with an edgy, youthful fashion label.