Last night Waihī College held its annual Academic Prize Giving — a heartfelt celebration of achievement, pride, and community spirit. It was a special evening to recognise the hard work of our students and the incredible support they receive from their whānau, teachers, and wider community. A huge congratulations to Evah Carey, named Dux of Waihi College, to Charlie Joyce, who received Proxime Accessit (Runner-Up to Dux), and Bella Paulsen who was third in Year 13 – all incredible young women.
Look our for our Special Edition Senior Prizegiving Newsletter!
| The Kurt Hahn Award:
Kurt Hahn established the Outward Bound movement, and this award is for a person who best fits the Outward Bound movement motto “to seek, to strive and not to yield”. |
Zara Davies-Young |
| The John van der Zwan International Student Award for outstanding contribution
This trophy is awarded to the international student who has embraced opportunities and contributed to school life. |
Maike Kwast |
| The Bronwyn Wightman Memorial Trophy:
This award is for a student who has enthusiastically participated in school activities, has a bubbly personality and has a great sense of community |
Maddie Oliver |
| Ara Poutama Award:
This award is presented by Whaea Tuihana Jack-Ainsley for someone who shows leadership qualities and is a positive role model for our Maori Students. |
Sam Bjerring |
| Maia Short Memorial Scholarship:
This is for a year 13 Girl with a top academic performance, who is a good citizen, friendly and helps others. Maia Short was destined for leadership and her Taha Māori was incredibly important to her. |
Moana Magee |
| The Chandel Cup:
This is for the student who has made the most consistent effort during the year. |
Bella Paulsen |
| The Jack Silcock Memorial Cup:
This cup is named in memory of Jack Silcock and recognises students who have shown tremendous strength and resilience throughout their schooling at Waihi College. It recognises a person who has put others before themselves. |
Sam Bjerring |
| The Ryan Family Trophy:
This trophy is for Service to school and community. |
Ben Jarvis |
| The O’Leary Cup for Leadership:
For being an exceptional role model and showing leadership within the school. |
Brooke Kelly |
| The Board Chairman’s Award and the Waihi Beach Lions Trophy for Citizenship: | Greta Spicer |
| Penny Bowden Trophy for Performing Arts:
This award is in memory of Penny Bowden who was a former Head of English. This award is given to the student who has been a mainstay in the performing arts, worked hard to achieve their artistic talents while helping others do the same. |
Cade Tucker |
| The John Combes Memorial Cup for Science and Mathematics:
This cup was presented to the College by the Combes family in memory of John Combes who was an outstanding student of Maths and Science |
Charlie Joyce |
| The Sel Baker Cup for Humanities:
For the student who has dedicated time and passion to helping others through community spirit and tackling current issues. |
Bella Paulsen |
| The Ethel Madgwick Cup – Rural Women NZ:
This is awarded to a student who wishes to further their studies outside of Waihi College. |
Kate Townsend |
| The Principal’s Award:
For someone who has worked hard all year and made a significant contribution to the life of the school. |
Brea Peka, Charlie Joyce & Bayley Goddard |
| The Rogers Calculus Cup:
First in Calculus |
Māhe North |
| The Golden Apple:
For Year 12 Art |
Zoe-Beth Naisby |
| Grover Plate:
For Year 13 Art |
Zara Davies Young |
| Best All-Round Girl, Board Chairman’s Award & Martha Women’s Club Award:
For academic, cultural, sporting and service. |
Charlie Joyce |
| Best All-Round Boy and Board Chairman’s Award:
For academic, cultural, sporting and service. |
Māhe North |
| The Coombes Cup for PROXIME ACCESSIT:
Runner up to Dux |
Charlie Joyce |
| The Shepherd Cup & Waihi Lions Scholarship for DUX:
Top academic achievement for Waihi College |
Evah Carey |
Year 12: 1st Zoe-Beth Naisby, 2nd Zara Clare 3rd Ruby Wilhelmi
Year 11: 1st Jessica Yeh, 2nd Carlee Huang 3rd Jessica Frohlich
SCHOLARSHIPS
Many of our senior students are now preparing to take their next steps into tertiary study, supported by an outstanding $126,700 in scholarships receiving this year. We’re deeply grateful for those scholarships and the opportunities they bring, and to all our sponsors for their generosity and ongoing belief in our young people.
The Kathleen Adams Memorial Award Scholarship (also known as the Jubilee Award): Luke Butler and Evah Carey.
Waihi Medical Centre Scholarship: Izzie Cannell and Lily McAndie
Waihi Lions Trades Scholarship: Cameron Lamont
Waihi Agricultural Education Trust: Charlie Joyce and Lilly Frederiks
Victoria University International Experience Grant: Bella Paulsen
Raukaraka Leadership Scholarship from Victoria University: Evah Carey
The David Johnstone Charitable Trust Scholarship: Maddie Oliver and Charlie Joyce
The University of Otago Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship: Brooke Kelly and Zara Davies-Young
University of Waikato Scholarships: Kate Townsend, Tegan Olds-Ford, Charlie Joyce and Māhe North
Oregon State University Scholarship: Rose Morley
As we come to the end of this term, we send our heartfelt best wishes to all our school leavers. Whether you’re heading into further study, stepping into employment, or taking time for new adventures, we are so proud of your achievements and the people you’ve become. Go well, go confidently, and carry our aroha with you wherever you go. To our students who are now on study leave — kia kaha! Work hard, stay focused, and give it your best. We know you’ll make us proud.
As always, photos from the event can be downloaded from our School Photos section of our website under Keeping Informed.