In the spirit of faith and community, the Imanuela Akatemia (God With Us Academy) gathered yesterday to celebrate their prizegiving day, singing songs of praise and gratitude.

The small private school providing Christian education for children from the Early Childhood Education (ECE) level to Year 13, has always been dedicated to nurturing not only academic excellence but also spiritual growth.

The school’s annual prizegiving day to recognise the hard work and accomplishments of their students was held yesterday at Te Are Pua church in Takuvaine.

This year, Sisa Virianabai again achieved the honoured top student award, taking home the General Excellence “Dux” award (Year 9-13) trophy sponsored by Phillip and Viti Henderson and family.

He was “surprised” but happy to receive the award again since he had accomplished this award last year.

“Nothing worth having comes easy,” Virianabai said.

A keen athlete, he was also recognised as the Sportsman of the Year.

With his favourite sports being rugby and football (soccer), he was thrilled to have represented the island of Aitutaki and win medals at the recent Cook Islands Games.

Virianabai acknowledged his teacher Pita Senibiakula for his motivation and guidance.

Tina Kauvai-Mustonen took home the Sportswoman of the Year trophy.

Imanuela Akatemia School Most Outstanding in Māori Culture - General Excellence Overall – Hanna Sivo (left), Luke Mateariki Year 7-8, Henry Kokaua Year 5-6, Lamaeyah William Year 2-4. MELINA ETCHES/24121107

Awards

The Imanuela Akatemia School prizegiving awards are as follows.

General Excellence awards: Primary - Marito Kauvai-Mustonen, Intermediate – Ejhay Casabuena, Senior – Sisa Virianabai.

Most Outstanding Student awards: ABC – Tutai Akaroa Vaea, Pre Reading – Ilaisa Kafoa.

General Excellence Most Artistic awards: Year 1-4 Katy Kafoa, Year 5-8 Lydia Hosking, Year 9-13 Hanna Sivo.

General Excellence Highly Commended certificates: Pre Reading – Valor Koronui, ABC – Fetia Piakura, Primary – Vaiki Hunt, Intermediate – Robin Palomo, Senior – Mata Manea.

Most Outstanding Student in Māori: ECE Maeva Koronui, ABC Fetia Piakura, Years 2-4 Lamaeyah William, Year 5-6 Henry Kokaua, Year 7-8 Luke Mateariki.

Most Improved Students: ECE Liyan Sen, ABC Shaun Warren, Primary Vaiki Hunt, Intermediate Makiroa Turuibewa, Senior Peleki Senikau.

Secondary Class certificates: Best in Math Mata Manea, Best in English Sisa Virianabai, Best in IT Mata Manea.

Level 1, 2 and 3 Credits achieved recognition: Luke Mateariki, Chikaina O’Brien, Taofa O’Brien, Peleki Senikau, David Shepherd, Ponipate Tikoinakua, Twina Tangirere, Mata Manea, Hanna Sivo and Sisa Virianabai.

Highest PACE Average: ABC Atiana Lutulailagi, Primary Marito Kauvai-Mustonen, Intermediate Ejhay Casabuena, Sisa Virianabai.

The Most Promising Visual Arts Awards: Year 2-4 Usaia Ravula, Year 5-6 Thomas Samuel, year 7-8 Solange jubilee, year 9-10 Taofa O’Brien, Principals award Solange Jubilee.

Music awards: Year 2-4 Usaia Ravula, Year 5-6 Makiroa Turuibewa, Year 7-8 Loata Ritova, Year 9-10 Mata Manea, Overall Mata Manea.

Literacy awards: Year 2-4 Lamaeyah William, Year 5-6 Benjamin Mateariki, Year 7-8 Luke Mateariki, Year 9-10 Mata Manea, Overall Mata Manea.

Christian Character awards: Pre Reading Caden Best, ABC Seruwaia Senikau, Primary Marito Kauvai-Mustonen, Intermediate Robin Palomo, Senior Hanna Sivo.