Yesterday, Te Are Karioi Nui domes came alive with entertaining cultural performances by the Apii Te Uki Ou students and academic award presentations to celebrate the school’s Prize Giving Day.

This special event is not just about recognising academic success, but acknowledgement of the hard work, dedication, sportsmanship and creativity demonstrated by the students throughout the year.

Proud parents and families provided such an abundance of beautiful ei for their children that some were swamped under a bounty of flowers.

Year 8 student Teuruaa Goldsworthy was grateful to be the recipient of the prestigious Dux award for 2024. He was also the Dux (Grade 6) of Apii Takitumu two years ago.

He was deeply honoured to receive the award and praised God for his guidance.

Goldsworthy was grateful for the support and guidance from the school principal Kim Noovao and teachers, “thank you all for sharing your passion to teach, to teach the future leaders of this country”.

“I’m deeply grateful for my family, my mum (Mata Vogel) and dad (Bruce Goldsworthy Jr), sisters and brother, mama and papa’s, aunties and uncles and cousins and friends.

“You all keep me motivated and always encourage me to follow my heart.

“I dedicate this award to my little sister Breanaa and my little brother PJ – your uniqueness and vulnerabilities will continue to drive us as family, and drive me to continue pursuing and growing each day to become the best I can be.

“To all my fellow students, each and every one of you should be proud of yourselves today. Follow your heart, passion and dreams, set your goals to bring them to light. Work hard to meeting those goals, never ever give up on your goals, and if you fail, stand up and keep going.”

Awards

Apii Te Uki Ou 2024 prize giving awards are as follows:

Athletics Awards: Junior (5,6,7) – Lewis Tutai and Honey-Rose Matutu, Intermediate (8, 9, 10) – Leo Rennie (m), and Zulay King-Kerr Barlow (f), Seniors (11, 12, 13) – Ryan Street and Eiva Herman-Fua.

The JUCO Subject Awards recognise a student who consistently demonstrates outstanding academic performance and work quality, coupled with a deep understanding of subject concepts. The recipient shows genuine enthusiasm through active class participation and takes the initiative to extend their learning beyond required classwork. Year 7: English – Rebecca Wood, Maths – Mia Fenwick, Technology – Mia Fenwick, Film – Mia Fenwick and Tiana Bamber, Science – Mia Fenwick, Physical Education (PE) – Tangitoru Heather. Year 8: English – Amelie Fenwick, Maths – Teuruaa Goldsworthy, Technology – Bellarose Reuther, Film – Teuruaa Goldsworthy, Science – Teuruaa Goldsworthy, PE – Ryan Street. Year 9: English – Sinamoana McBride, Maths – Vaihere Mitchell, Technology – Hiranaki Tau.

Exceptionalities Awards (a student from the inclusive programme who has stood out in achieving their goals throughout the year): Primary – DeVon Arbuthnott, Junior College – Reed Walker.

Environment Award – Louis Allis.

2024 School Overall: Visual Arts – Samara Christian, Te Reo (written and oral) – Inano Urirau, Te Peu – Teuruaa Goldsworthy, Sports – Eiva Herman-Fua, Rising Leader (selected by Year 8’s for a year 7 who shows leadership qualities) – Inano Urirau.

2024 Dux - Overall standout student in academic from junior college. High grades, active participation in class, excellence in assignments and exams, and a strong overall commitment to academic pursuits – Teuruaa Goldsworthy.