It was an emotional roller coaster for 17-year-old Katee Wearing, who was named Tereora College Dux 2024 at the annual prize-giving ceremony on Thursday evening, held in the school hall packed with families and loved ones.

Wearing was placed sixth last year in the Level II overall grading and climbing five steps up the ladder was nothing short of a miracle combined with hard work, says the aspiring businesswoman.

“I was not prepared to receive such a big award and I feel really overwhelmed and speechless,” she told Cook Islands News. “But I’m really grateful that I worked hard enough to get the award and I’m grateful for everyone that helped me and I’m really happy about it.”

Reminiscing on her academic journey this year, Wearing described it a “tough ride” but acknowledged her surrounding with loved ones and friends for guiding her.

She paid tribute to her mother, saying she was her role model.

“A lot of late nights, it was tough, but the people around me helped me. My friends were really a big help in motivating me to do my best in school as well as my mum for pushing me to get the good grades in school.”

Despite many achievements throughout the year, Wearing’s biggest highlight this year was winning the top student award. She also received the Excellence in Level III Business Studies, Excellence in Level III Statistics, Excellence in Digital Technology, and Excellence in Level III Sports Science awards.

Her goal in life is not only to become a businesswoman but also to earn a tennis scholarship, a side aspiration she believes she can balance with her academic pursuits.

Being the second of three, Wearing also dreams of inspiring her siblings to reach for the skies and the youth of the Cook Islands to know that nothing is impossible and to never give up on their dreams.

“Just show up,” she added.

Wearing dedicated her success to all her families and friends, and especially acknowledged her parents, grandparents, teachers and friends. She also wishes all upcoming Level III students of Tereora College the very best.