School’s not just about academic achievements — eight Wakatipu High students have been rewarded with scholarships for their prowess in sports, arts or community service.
At the recent Wakatipu Community Foundation (WCF) awards presentation, five Kate Moetaua Foundation scholarships were awarded.
The foundation was set up in memory of a much-revered former Wakatipu High drama teacher.
Mackenzi Jackson (karate), Marley King Smith (rowing) and Lachlan Boniface (ice hockey) were the sports awards recipients.
All have represented New Zealand in their respective sports and are keen to continue pursuing them at a high level.
The arts awards recipients were Mikaela Patterson, who competes at a national level in dance, and Rochelle Tickle, director of the school’s drama team who recently won the national TheatreFest competition, who is heading to drama school in Wellington next year.
Three students also won Arrowtown Autumn Festival community scholarships for community service, which have a particular focus on service beyond the school gate.
Ruby Dawson’s involved with mountain biking events, marketing Queenstown Gymnastics Club, netball umpiring, baking for Good Bitches Baking and tutoring Year 9 students in English and social studies.
Zali Vaivars is a Girl Guides youth leader and is involved with the mountain bike club, umpires netball and assists with a youth programme, INSPIRE, aimed to boosting youngsters’s body image and mental health.
Zara McRae, described as an Arrowtown volunteering star, coaches the Mini Belles, helps out with school fundraisers, the autumn festival and Arrowtown Choppers, and also volunteered for Showbiz Queenstown and school productions.
Wakatipu High principal Oded Nathan says he’s incredibly proud of these students’ achievements, adding they’re great examples of the all-round education the school strives to deliver.
