ROTARY YOUNG ACHIEVERS 2019

​I was very proud this week to attend the Rotary Young Achievers Awards.  Congratulations to  Molly Gray, Samantha Marsh and Connor Sharp on being recognised for your efforts at these prestigious Awards.  

Darren Jack
Acting Principal

Recipients Citations:

Samantha Marsh
 
Samantha is an outgoing, enthusiastic student who embraces all our college has to offer.  Her zest for learning and cheerful attitude is infectious and a wonderful quality to have.  
 
Samantha excels in Karate, gaining an impressive 100 percent in her Black Belt examination.  In 2018, she achieved a Black Belt in Goju Ryu, which is a style of karate.  She competes in competitions locally and throughout New Zealand.  Last year she gained second placings at the Otago Southland and Canterbury Tournaments and this year was placed fourth in the Kata section and fifth in the Kumite section at the New Zealand Open.  Although Karate keeps Samantha very busy she keeps herself fit and this year completed the 15 km run on the Moonshine Trail. 
 
Samantha is no stranger to the stage.  Last year she had a supporting lead role in the Gore Musical Theatre’s Junior Production of Shrek and this year was a very convincing thespian in the St Peter’s College production of High School Musical.  Samantha is a very enthusiastic participant in our annual Eisteddfod and this year was our Junior Eisteddfod Champion gaining first placings in dance, duet singing, impromptu speech, ensemble and entertainment.  She received the Entertainer award for her hip-hop routine. 
 
Academically, Samantha embraces our school value of commitment giving her best effort across all curriculum areas.  Last year she gained first place in Digital Technology.  Samantha is obviously a high achieving young lady, but one of the things that sets her apart from her peers is her willingness to give back to the community.  She is a school librarian, teaches karate at the West Otago Club, coaches and marshals at tournaments.  It is no surprise therefore that Samantha was awarded a community award last year. 
 
Samantha is an outstanding Young Achiever.  She lives out the school values of commitment, community and compassion in her daily school life and the commitment she has shown to all aspects of her life is a credit to her.   

Connor Sharp
 
Connor can be a very serious young man in class but if there is an opportunity for a class game or energiser he is always eager to participate.  He is always the first to put his hand up to help out in the class or to share his ideas and contributes enthusiastically to small group discussions.  Connor is always striving to reach his full potential and takes on feedback to improve his work.  He is a polite and respectful young man who is well respected in his peer group. 
 
Academically, Connor is an able student gaining first class placings in 2018 in Physical Education and Product Design and Manufacturing.  He was also a member of the St Peter’s College SMAC Maths Team in 2018.   
 
The first class placing in Physical Education comes as no surprise as this an area where Connor truly excels.  This year he was the Athletics Champion for his age group after being runner-up in 2018.  For two consecutive years, Connor has been an integral member of the Southland Hatch Cup Hockey Team.  He likes to get the ball to the back of the net and this year was the second highest goal scorer at the National Tournament.  This year Connor was named the International Holistic Development Athlete of the Year. 
 
During summer, Connor is fortunate to have the time to perfect his waterskiing technique and this year managed an awesome second place at the Otago/Southland Junior Boys’ Waterski Championships.  He can also be found on a cricket pitch representing Southland Country and is keenly supported by his family and especially his Pop.  Connor’s natural ability and skillset allow him to try his hand at a variety of sporting disciplines and this year Connor was a member of the winning Ascot Park Triathlon Team where he successfully completed the cycle phase.   During his spare time Connor coaches hockey down at the local turf where the younger children are fortunate to benefit from his skill level and experience.   
 
Connor is a very committed and outstanding young man.  We are delighted to recognise Connor as a Rotary Young Achiever for St Peter’s College. 

Molly Gray
 
Molly is a very caring and compassionate young lady, treating all her peers and teachers with respect and is well respected by her peer group.  Molly also enjoys a good laugh and is always eager to share the funny moments in her life.  In class, Molly is always striving for excellence.  She is able to think creatively about an idea or concept and is able to take in all perspectives when considering her response to a task.  Molly is true to herself and her vibrant and bubbly personality is such a treat.   
 
Academically, Molly excels in the classroom gaining first class placings in 2018 for Religious Education, Music and Product Design and Manufacturing.  Her fabulous work ethic ensured Molly also received a Diligence Award. 
 
Molly is no stranger to the stage and in this year’s Eisteddfod the audience was wittingly entertained by her speech on the ordeal of being the child of a teacher.  Molly was a keen and eager participant during our Cultural Festival and was awarded a number of placings in Prepared Speech, Wearable Arts, Impromptu, Scripture and Ensemble.  This year Molly received the cup for Junior Prepared Speech.  Molly is not one to let opportunities pass her by and this year was a brainiac in our school production of High School Musical.  Molly learns speech, achieving honours in Grade Three and even manages to fit in singing lessons.  Molly is an integral member of our Kapa Haka, being fortunate to be part of the North Island Hikoi. 
 
During the winter, one can find Molly down at the MLT Stadium playing netball and this year she participated in the Dunedin Weetbix Triathlon.  Fabulous effort Molly! 
Molly willingly goes out of her way for others and can be found down at the Church of the Blessed Sacrament and St Mary’s assisting with all things digital. A very likeable young lady, Molly is an outstanding Young Achiever.  We are proud to acknowledge Molly as a Rotary Young Achiever for St Peter’s College. 
 

 
 

 

 
 

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