A range of academic, cultural and service awards were granted at the Mount Aspiring College’s (MAC) annual senior prize giving ceremony last Wednesday night (November 4) before a packed audience in the college’s gymnasium.

The four premier awards were awarded to Siena Shotwell (dux), Michael Gealogo (proxime accessit and best all round boy) and Emily Heath (best all round girl).

Siena has attained academic excellence in art design, art painting, english and drama. Next year Siena will be studying law and arts at the University of Canterbury.

Michael has attained academic excellence of the highest order in calculus, physics, economics and physical education. MAC said in a statement he has also excelled in his various leadership roles at the school. Next year Michael will be studying engineering at the University of Canterbury.

Having achieved a 2020 Class Act award, a World Vision Scholarship and a Duke of Edinburgh

Gold award, Emily has also gained numerous titles in her sport, swimming, and is an active volunteer. She will be studying veterinary science at Massey University.

Michael Gealogo, who was also named proxime accessit, with dux Siena Shotwell.

Scholarships were awarded to Helene Price and Hannah Craig (leadership); Aimee McArthur (medical); Maggie Miller (hospitality); Olive Pujol, Jack Findlay, Oliver Clements, Meg Breen, Jono Watson, Ryan Schmack, Lukas Schafer, Kiera Gray, Rata Horan, Czaliya Viloria and Ben McNabb (leadership and role-model); Zelda Boyd (engineering); Luca Georgalli, Jessie McKenzie and Owen Lea (music); Siena Shotwell (law); Jaydon Jordi (technology); Quinn Curtis (design); and Katey Donovan (vocational). 

The prize giving ceremony also celebrated many students’ personal achievements in winning national awards. 

They are Holly Gibson, Laura Neale, Kiera Gray, Isobel Smith, Cecilia Gardner, Olly Thomas, Siena Shotwell, Luca Georgalli, Jaimee Vink and Ollie Blyth (showquest 2020 national winners); Ollie Blyth (Young Shakespeare national selection); Benjamin Silipo (swimming); Scarlett Norman, Abby Fisher and Georgie Bruce (athletics); Ines Stephani (tennis); Hannah Prosser, Zach Smith, Georgia Prosser, Leo Staufenberg, Jack Findlay, Campbell Wright and Laurie Watson (triathlon).

A number of students represented New Zealand in sport and other endeavours this year. 

Premiere sports awards went to Lukas Schafer (fairplay); Abby Fisher (girls sports); and Campbell Wright (boys sports and international achievement in cross country skiing and biathlon).

Cultural awards went to Tawhiri Rupapera (mana pounamu) Jessie McKenzie (te korowai o te maatauranga), Lillian Eastwood (music), Ruby Burke (art), Siena Shotwell (drama), Isobel Smith (speech), and Ollie Blyth (writing).

Year 11-13 students also received individual academic awards for highest achievement and high achievement in the year levels. 

PHOTOS: Supplied