Apii Nikao held their junior prize-giving awards event yesterday morning, followed by the senior awards later in the evening.

Lennox Herman received the 2023 Junior Dux and Junior Sports Boy awards, while his younger brother, Bear Herman, scooped the Overall Academic Excellence Award in Year 1.

Elated father, Henry Herman, said that while he and his wife Bianca were surprised, they were both “massively proud” of Lennox’s achievements.

“We don’t really focus on the academic side for our kids (four children),” said Herman. “We focus more on the values of being good, kind, and considerate.”

“We also emphasise a good work ethic and encourage them to simply enjoy the learning process,” he added, hoping that this will empower them.

Herman and his family first settled in Rarotonga in 2021 for a trial period of three months. They returned last year to raise their children permanently here.

Awards

Overall Academic Excellence in Year 1: 1^st Bear Herman, 2^nd Tamatoa Sherwin, 3^rd Biin Tom; Overall Academic Excellence in Year 2 – 1^st Kaia Teau, 2^nd Rotana Raumea, 3^rd Elisha Pau’u.

Overall Academic Excellence in Year 3 – Major Awards for Juniors: 2023 Junior Sports Girl – Illenor Tuaputa, 2023 Junior Sports Boy – Lennox Herman, Most Improved Student – Ngatupuna Tangatataiaiti, Most Outstanding Student – Annie Allan; 1^st and 2023 Junior Dux – Lennox Herman, 2^nd Julia Chan, 3^rd James Yarrall; Overall Academic Excellence in Year 4 – 1^st  Petueli Raumea, 2^nd Moeana Matheson, 3^rd Grace Wichman; Overall Academic Excellence in Marae 3 Year 5: 1^st – Tanoa Framhein, 2^nd Yelayna Ponga, 3^rd Elimoeana Napa.