College Senior School Prizegiving 2015

This afternoon’s Senior Prizegiving signalled the end of another notable year in the life of the College as the Saint Kentigern College community gathered in Elliot Hall to congratulate our Year 11, 12 and 13 IB (International Baccalaureate) and NCEA (National Certificate of Educational Achievement) academic prize winners, including those who have received scholarships to continue their education at tertiary level.

The College is thrilled that by Senior School Prizegiving, 25 of our graduating students have already been awarded 32 significant tertiary scholarships, providing them with financial assistance for their chosen tertiary studies. In some instances, these provide a very substantial sum and these students can be very proud of their achievement. Other students can be equally proud to have been offered more than one scholarship, opening up choice as to where they continue their education.

Each year the number of scholarships awarded usually increases over the summer break as exam results become available; in particular for those seeking scholarships from universities in the Northern Hemisphere. Already, Ayden Lamont has accepted a place at prestigious Princeton University in the USA for the academic year beginning in 2016.

As well as our top academic achievers, Senior Prizegiving also recognises our very best sportsmen and women, debaters, actors, dancers and musicians, and those who have given well beyond expectation in Service.  At all levels, there are many who strive to achieve their utmost in every endeavour they undertake.

Each student who came across the stage could be rightfully proud of awards that recognised their significant contribution. The afternoon culminated with the announcement of the highest academic honour, the Dux. The honour was awarded to both the top IB Diploma student, William Xu and the top NCEA student, Marieke Kruiswijk. Congratulations to these two deserving students who have worked hard and made the most of every opportunity.

As the Prizegiving ceremony came to a close, students, staff and guests were invited to Elliot Quad to watch the Pipes and Drums of Saint Kentigern beat the retreat as the flag was lowered. Our best wishes to all our senior students as they head into their external examinations.

DUX MEDALLIST – IB DIPLOMA

WILLIAM XU

Joining the College in 2011 as a Year 9 student, William quickly distinguished himself as an outstanding academic student with a remarkable work ethic. He was awarded Academic Colours in Years 11, 12 and 13 and the award for the Highest Achievement in NCEA Level 1. In Year 12 he was the top student in both IB Biology and Mathematics. As a result of his academic achievements, William was chosen as a member of the Year 13 Scholars Group. This year, William was first in IB Biology and will be sitting Scholarship examinations in Geography, Media Studies, Art History, Calculus and Chemistry. 

In addition to his academic success, William has been extensively involved in the co-curricular life of the College. As an outstanding pianist, he has been a member of several Chamber Groups and the Chamber Orchestra. In 2015, he played in the College Symphony Orchestra and Jazz Combo, was a finalist in the Solo Music Competition and played in the 2015 Stage Band which won a Gold Award at the KBB Music Festival. He has also gained a Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award and has been a member of the Senior Water Polo team.

William has also served others as a member of the Academic Council, a Peer Support Leader and an Academic Mentor, along with this, he has also mentored ESOL students and been involved with service at Riverina Primary School.

In 2016, William hopes to study Medicine at the University of Auckland or Monash University in Melbourne, Australia.

DUX MEDALLIST - NCEA

MARIEKE KRUISWIJK

Marieke is an outstanding scholar with tremendous academic talent who joined the College in 2009 as a Year 7 student.

Achieving Academic Colours in every senior year, Marieke was First in Year 11, also winning the Latin Prize and the V.J. Little Cup and Accounting Prize. In Year 12, she was awarded the P.G. Hadfield Prize for First in Year 12 NCEA and the Top Year 12 academic prizes for Chemistry, Latin and Physics, also gaining First in Physics this year. As a result of her academic achievements, Marieke was chosen to be a member of the Year 13 Scholars Group and will be sitting Scholarship Examinations in Biology, Chemistry, Latin and Physics.

Marieke plays the oboe and has been in the College Concert Band and Symphony Orchestra over a number of years. She has served others at the College as a Peer Support Leader and Academic Mentor, and also serves in the community as a player, umpire and coach for Howick and Pakuranga Netball Club.

In 2016, Marieke intends to study Biomedical Science at the University of Auckland.

For a full list of prize winners click here

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