Apii Takitumu held its annual prize giving awards yesterday, bringing together parents, families and the community to celebrate the achievements of their students.

As is customary at these school events, students were adorned with an abundance of sweet scented ei by proud parents and families.

A highlight of the event was the announcement of Apii Takitumu head girl Amarah Gribble as Dux of the Year.

Amarah was humbled and proud to be awarded the school’s top academic achievement, having worked hard all year.

“I’m really happy about it,” she said. Her sister Makenna received the Apii Takitumu Dux award in 2020.

Apii Takitumu Year 3 students receive awards. At left is Freyja Savage, the Most Outstanding 2024 Student Award equal with Lahnee Tutai. MELINA ETCHES/24120308

Amarah said she also felt honoured to be named head girl for the year and strived to be a good role model for the children and to make her parents proud.

Passionate about her Māori language and her heritage, she was an outstanding speaker at Rarotonga’s Māori speech competition this year.

Apii Takitumu only has classes up to Grade 6, so next year Amarah is looking forward to attending Nukutere College.

Breanna Goldsworthy receives the Grade 5 Inclusive Education Award, accompanied by her mother, Mata Vogel. MELINA ETCHES/24120317

In a special moment, student Breanna Goldsworthy received a powerful pe’e from her uncle, Tuiki Daniel, as she accepted the Grade 5 Inclusive Education Recognition award accompanied by her mother, Mata Vogel.

Apii Takitumu principal Maui Joseph was pleased at the event and encouraged the parents, guardians and the community to continue their support for their children and provide them with a happy and caring environment.

Moana Vogel, Apii Takitumu’s 2024 runner up Dux is pictured with teacher Maine Foster MELINA ETCHES/24120326

Prize recipients

Apii Takitumu Prizegiving awards. Grade 6 Seniors: Dux - Amarah Gribble sponsor BCI; Runner-up Dux - Moana Vogel sponsor Carfax-Foster Family; Most Outstanding - Manihiki Tau sponsor Engia Baxter Family; Te Kaveinga o te Apii Takitumu – Terangi Totini; Sportsperson – Amani Atera; Arts – Xenia Nelio; Mathematics – Amorah Maoate; Creative Writing – Valerie Morgan-Dolman; Māori – Amarah Gribble; Purua – Moana Vogel. High Achievers – Kimiravenga Trego; Lyeoh-Ross Teao-Jenner; Ava Morgan-Dolman; Luke Laumatia; Terangi Totini; Josef Urirau; Maria-Grace Dashwood; Most Improved Student – Heimata Akaroa.

Grade 5 Seniors Awards: Special Award – Lakey-West Abraham; Inclusive Education Recognition Award – Breanna Goldsworthy; Most Improved Students – Ana Wichman and Mia Gempton; High Achievers – Hanikau Pau Selam; Elizabeth Raday; Raigan Takurau; Ischia Wong; Tangiau Kirkwood; Mason Matapo; Omni Tauakume; Most Outstanding Student – Hinamoana Olah.

The Grade 6 Apii Takitumu 2024 prefects are: Amani Atera, Moana Vogel, Lyeoh Teao Jenner, Kimiravenga Trego, Amorah Maoate, Tamahahe Tisam, Terangi Totini, Xenia Nelio, Richard Toa, Amarah Gribble – Head Girl and Josef Urirau – Head Boy.