Wānaka St John recognised the achievement of a number of its young members at an awards ceremony last Tuesday (December 14) evening.

St John’s youth programmes help young people develop first aid, health care, leadership and life skills, with youth members progressing through courses offered by St John’s youth curriculum.

The Grand Prior Award, presented in the form of a badge, is the highest St John youth award, and on Tuesday it was awarded to Patrick Hartley.

“This is a significant achievement,” divisional manager Tina Simmonds said.

“Patrick was also a non-commissioned officer (NCO) within the division and helped sessions for the younger cadets.” 

Patrick had to complete six compulsory badges and six other badges from the St John curriculum, plus complete 100 hours of service to the community. He will attend a ceremony in 2022 where the governor general will formally present the award.

Youth members Tenki Watanabe, Gabriella McKay and Harriet Primmer were presented with super penguin awards.

Super penguins (aged six to nine years old) follow a course of badges over a two to three year period including first aid, resourceful penguin, caring penguin, communication, and also St John penguin which covers the history of the Order of St John.

The St John youth division programme runs during the school year. It offers the penguin programme (where kids meet once weekly to learn basic first aid and other practical life skills), and the cadet programme (which provides training in first aid and emergency skills and helps develop a sense of responsibility, decision-making and self esteem). 

Other awards: 

Wanaka Junior Award 2021 - Harriet McKay 

Wanaka Intermediate Award 2021 - Oliver Wyeth 

Wanaka Senior Award 2021 - Nikita Sinclair 

Emerald Award - Hinato Watanabe, Isla Ingham, Emma Cartlidge, Harriet McKay.

Sapphire Award - Holly Ingham 

Leadership promotions 

Cadet Corporal - Holly Ingham, Ben Pell 

Cadet Sergeant - Nikita Sinclair, Lily Wilson 

Cadet Leader - Maddison Frazer 

Find more information about the St John youth programme here or email divisional manager Tina Simmonds on [email protected]. 

PHOTO: Supplied