Tereora College yesterday held its annual Endorsement Assembly, acknowledging the hard work and dedication of its students.

This year, fourteen Year 13 students from 2024, along with twelve Year 12 students and twenty Year 11 students, were celebrated for their remarkable academic achievements.

Among the Year 13 cohort, several students were honoured for earning excellence endorsements, which provide them with valuable opportunities for scholarships and university funding.

Tereora College principal Heather Gorrie expressed pride in the success of the students, particularly those who achieved Level 3 endorsement at excellence.

“This is about building their futures,” Gorrie told Cook Islands News. “It’s an incredible effort to achieve an excellence level NCEA endorsement and it opens lots of doors for our young people for their futures.”

For many students, particularly those at the senior levels, the endorsement is more than just an academic recognition.

It is a gateway to significant scholarships and financial support for university.

Gorrie highlighted the importance of achieving excellence at Level 3, stating, “For them, Level 3 endorsement, particularly at excellence level, is often the difference between funded university or not.”

The endorsement assembly not only recognised the top achievers but also celebrated the collective effort of students, families and staff.

“It’s an acknowledgement of the work of our families and staff, and the fact that we are working at excellence level with these young people,” Gorrie explained.

The event also emphasises the importance of teamwork in helping students reach their full potential.

While the focus was on those students who earned endorsements, the assembly also celebrated the achievements of all students who passed NCEA, with special mention of those who achieved at merit or excellence levels.

“This is an opportunity to celebrate excellence,” said Gorrie. “And particularly celebrate with our families, because it is a team effort to achieve excellence and merit.”

The principal also noted that there was a conscious effort to increase the number of male students who achieve excellence.

“We’re increasing how this is done though. We hope next year to have more young men standing on stage,” Gorrie said.

Following the assembly, the school hosted a luncheon to continue the celebration with the families of the students, providing an opportunity for further reflection and camaraderie.

As part of her address, Gorrie reminded the students to remain grateful for the support they received throughout their academic journey.

“Most importantly, today is not only (about) the acknowledgement of our students’ success, it is the acknowledgement of the people behind these achievements, the parents, the families, the caregivers, the teaching staff, anau teachers and leaders, who have all worked together to support each of these students.”

According Gorrie, the event is a proud moment for Tereora College in terms of showcasing the dedication of its students and the wider school community, while providing an opportunity to inspire future generations of learners to strive for excellence.